The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (NCSSR), made up of over 80 human rights organisations, has expressed disappointment over the poor state of the nation and the worsening insecurity in Nigeria during the first and second quarters of the year.
The group, therefore, advised President Muhammadu Buhari to act fast or resign because it was obvious he had failed the country.
At a press conference on the state of the nation, which was jointly addressed by its Convener, Ene Obi, and co-convener, James Ugochukwu, the activists said the National Assembly should not only threaten the President with impeachment but also intensify their oversight functions on the Executive and exude that they are representatives of the people by protecting and representing their interests.
The coalition asked the Senate to carry out “a thorough background check and scrutiny” of the Resident Electoral Commissioners nominated by President Buhari “to allay any political party affiliation or alignment by any of the nominees”.
Obi said: “A few months ago, Situation Room, on 12 May 2022, raised the alarm on the rising level of insecurity in the country, the level of transparency and accountability in the electoral process, among other concerns. It is rather disheartening that two months later, the state of the nation has further depreciated thereby raising questions about the leadership of the country”.
Situation Room also raised more concerns on insecurity, attack on Kuje correctional centre, the economy, the industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities and the 2023 elections.
The group then suggested that the Independent National Electoral Commission should extend the voter registration process for another two months to accommodate more prospective voters as “there is still a window for extension in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2022”.
The CSOs called on President Buhari to wake up to his responsibilities of steering the nation’s affairs in the areas of security and economic restoration, which would rebuild the citizens’ confidence by reassuring Nigerians of his ability to govern Nigeria or “he should honourably resign if the challenges are overwhelming”.
Situation Room further called on Nigerian citizens to put their state Governors to task and demand accountability for their actions or inactions regarding the state of the nation.
Credit: The PUNCH
