A former Kaduna State governor, Balarabe Musa, and human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), have advised Nigerians to hold President Muhammadu Buhari responsible for insecurity in the country rather than resorting to ‘demonization’ of any ethnic group.
In a joint statement on Sunday, the duo maintained that the Federal Government has failed to tackle the worsening insecurity plaguing every part of the country and warned of a looming anarchy.
Detailing what they described as the symptoms of the brewing socio-political crisis, they said:
“Nigeria is increasingly being defined by insecurity. Killings have become almost a daily affair in Nigeria.
“Terror attacks, banditry, kidnapping and armed robbery are perpetrated by criminals with reckless abandon. In practical terms, no part of Nigeria is immune to violent crimes, although the incidence might be relatively higher in one part than the other at this time.
“Tragic news of lives wasted issues from the north and south, east and west.
“Amid the cacophony of ethnic and regional voices, it is imperative that pan – Nigerian voices should be heard louder than ever before to save Nigeria from disintegration”.
They also carpeted those they described as ‘ethnic and regional champions’ who have allegedly resorted into the ethnic profiling and demonisation.
They said: “The appropriate response to these sectional voices is not to glibly question the patriotism of any person or group.
“The effective response is to compel the Nigerian state under the watch of President Muhammadu Buhari to perform the constitutional duty of keeping Nigeria secure. Nigeria must not be turned into a killing field.
“The way to take the wind out of the sails of merchants of hate is for the government to confront the worsening insecurity in Nigeria squarely and honestly.”
They, however, called on Buhari to address the nation to give assurance of his commitment to the unity of Nigeria amidst inadequate security.
“We, therefore, call on President to rally the country around a national purpose of security everywhere in Nigeria as the constitution demands.
“This leadership duty should be in words and action.
“The President should address the nation specifically for the purpose of giving assurance of his commitment to the unity of Nigeria amidst adequate security.
“It is also the duty of genuine lovers of peace, freedom and development of Nigeria to speak up in order to save the nation from descent of anarchy.
“It is time that pan-Nigerian voices are heard loud and clear.”
