Alarmed by the worsening spate of insecurity in Nigeria, a coalition of over 80 human rights organisations under the aegis of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room on Tuesday called on President Muhammadu Buhari to act now to stop the terrorists or resign from office.
The CSOs expressed disappointment over the poor state of the nation and the worsening insecurity that plagued the country during the first and second quarters of the year.
The coalition, therefore, advised President Buhari to act fast or resign because it had become obvious he had failed the country.
NCSSR stated these during a press conference on the state of the nation jointly addressed by its Convener, Ene Obi, and Co-Convener, James Ugochukwu.
Beyond threats of impeachment of the President, the activists urged the National Assembly to intensify their oversight function on the Executive, saying that they are representatives of the people who should protect and represent their interests.
According to the Coalition, the Senate should carry out “a thorough background check and scrutiny of the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioners nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari, to allay any political party affiliation or alignment by any of the nominees.
“A few months ago, Situation Room, on May 12 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.”
The coalition also raised more concerns on insecurity, attack on Kuje correctional centre, economy, strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities and 2023 elections.
It 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.
They advised President Buhari to be alive to his responsibilities of steering the nation’s affairs in the areas of security and economic restoration, which will rebuild the citizens’ confidence by reassuring Nigerians of his ability to govern Nigeria or should honourably resign if the challenges are overwhelming.
The coalition further urged Nigerians to put their state governors to task and demand accountability for their actions or inactions regarding the situation in the country.