CSOs Protest Insecurity, Demand Release of Abductees, Responsible Governance

By Omonigho Abraham

To commemorate Nigeria’s Democracy Day, a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Osun State on Friday, June 12, staged a peaceful protest demanding responsible and accountable governance, as well as the immediate release of all abducted Nigerians.

The protesters expressed concerns over rising insecurity in the country, questioning the impact of huge funds allocated to security at both federal and state levels.

Speaking during the protest, the Coordinating Convener of the Campaign for Coalition Against Insecurity and Bad Governance, Mr. Kola Ibrahim, said the demonstration was aimed at demanding accountability from governments and urging authorities to intensify efforts in tackling insecurity.

Ibrahim called for the release of all kidnapped Nigerians, particularly schoolchildren and their teachers, while also demanding improved welfare, economic stability, quality education, accessible healthcare, and policies that would address the challenges facing citizens.

He condemned what he described as unequal responses to security challenges, noting that while some high-profile individuals receive swift rescue efforts after abduction, many ordinary Nigerians remain in captivity for prolonged periods.

“In Osun State, we have had billions budgeted for security, but we have not seen the results. Nationally, the Tinubu administration since inception has spent N13.1 trillion on security, yet we have not seen the expected results. Government should be accountable for the billions and trillions of naira budgeted for security at both federal and state levels.

“We are demanding the release of all kidnapped and abducted Nigerians, especially our schoolchildren and their teachers. You can imagine children as young as seven and two years old being in captivity for weeks. Government must be responsible to all Nigerians,” he added.

However, the Chairman of Osun Civil Society Coalition (OCSC), Comrade Waheed Lawal, said the protection of lives and provision of basic amenities were constitutional responsibilities of government.

Lawal accused the government of failing to adequately address insecurity and called for proactive measures to secure the release of all Nigerians still held captive.

“It is a constitutional matter. The law says government should provide security for the lives and property of citizens and their welfare. We demand that government be proactive in addressing these insecurity issues. We do not want to lose any more lives,” he said.

He also called for economic policies that would favour ordinary Nigerians, lamenting the impact of inflation on citizens.
According to him, Nigerians must continue to demand good governance, stressing that citizens have the right to hold leaders accountable and reject policies that negatively affect their wellbeing.