By Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin
A civil society coalition, the Conference of Non-governmental Organizations (CONGOs), has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to proffer solutions to the plights of insecurity, unemployment, poverty, education and hunger in Nigeria.
The body through its president , Comrade Abiola Daisy at a press briefing , Benin city, declared that the high rate of kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state are alarming and government has failed to protect its people.
She stated: “Our points in this struggle are the issues of hunger and poverty being witnessed by the Nigerian people. In recent times, the provocation has been increased by the inability of the Nigerian State to provide security of lives and property for the citizenry.
“If a vital aspect of government is the security of the lives and property, we all agree that the Nigerian government has failed woefully in that aspect. we know that where the provision for economic well-being and the safety of lives have eroded a country or a people. The basis for sovereignty and patriotism are helpless eroded.”
Speaking on education and unemployment, Abiola said,”Our present experience is the worsening crises of unemployment in Nigeria. In a society where the youth graduate for over 10 years, and remain unemployed, it takes the intervention of the Divine will to foster order in that social system”
“Secondly, is the total collapse of our educational system; a social order where by examination malpractice become the norm associated with the youths with a constricted mindset.
“When these youths are confronted with poverty coming from the incapacitated state, their indulgence in criminal acts for the aim to survive become predictive”, the CONGOS head added.
CENGOS said with widespread insecurity in the country, only the political class are protected.
“in the Southern part of Nigeria, the crime of kidnapping has been branded a fallout of the incursion of Fulani herders and criminal gangs. In Edo State, the only people that are safe are the political rulers, who move about with sirens and armed policemen beyond the continuing wave of kidnapping in our high ways”.
The coalition therefore recommends that government should take a decisive approach to deal with insecurity, properly fund the Nigerian military and other security agencies and education, address unemployment, embark on anti- corruption crusade and strengthen the National Orientation Agency, NOA to address the multi-facet issues confronting the country.
A member of the advisory board of CENGOS, Mrs. Sabina Osehebo, said CONGOs has been working with other stakeholders in the state and country to ensure solutions are given to problems on ground.
She stressed explained that the issues confronting Nigeria must be addressed decisively, pointing out that the coalition is looking at how rule of law can be upheld in Nigeria and is taking steps to see that things are done the right way.
