CSO decries rising insecurity, corruption

By Musa Adamu

A civil society group, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), has decried the level of insecurity, corruption and poverty in the country.
Addressing the Media on the state of the nation , the group said it was saddening that there had been progressive deterioration in the symbolic relationship between farmers and herders in the country.
It further decried that the conflict between these Nigerians had moved from socioeconomic to religion and political dimension.
To tame the ugly trend, it called on government to move from conflict resolution to prevention approach, overcome marginalisation of farmers and herders in policy making and implementation, commence consultation involving both the federal, states, LGs and community leaders to develop a long term policy capable of addressing concerns of all the stakeholders.
On the corruption, it said it was worried by the “persistent and shocking” level of corruption in the country.
It said it was further shocked by daily occurrence of corruption scandals of seemingly political establishment hiding behind impunity and privileges.
It said was heartbroken that while around 116 milliom Nigerians live on less than $1.25 per day 2016 Nigeria recorded 23billionaires with collective wealth of about $78billion and 43 individuals owning assets worth at least $1million.
It said: “we are worried that government has failed in delivering on anti corruption commitment it made to Nigerians and the international community.”
It therefore, called on government to render the highest protection and unconditional political support to anti corruption agencies and civil society activists in the country.
It urged government to provide whistleblowers with legal framework and assurances from the highest political level for the safety of their lives.