The Democracy Watch Initiative has called on the Federal Government to establish an independent and comprehensive inquiry to reinforce transparency and public confidence in the nation’s defence leadership.
The civil society organisation said the call became necessary amid heightened public concern over issues affecting national security and democratic governance.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Strategic Communication, Dr Tunji O. Bamidele, the group stressed that accountability at the highest levels of government was critical to sustaining public trust.
According to the organisation, unresolved public concerns surrounding security leadership could undermine confidence in the country’s defence architecture and weaken citizens’ faith in democratic institutions.
Bamidele said the sacrifices of security personnel must be protected through clear processes that promote integrity, openness and responsibility.
He added that the organisation was urging the constitution of an independent inquiry panel comprising legal practitioners, civil society representatives and security experts, insulated from political influence.
The group also called for the findings of such an inquiry to be made public promptly to assure Nigerians that transparency and the rule of law remained paramount.
It further urged the government to protect whistleblowers and, irrespective of the outcome of any review, strengthen security strategies, including community-based approaches, to address insecurity.
The Democracy Watch Initiative said decisive action would reaffirm the government’s commitment to accountability, justice and the protection of citizens.
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