As we march into 2024, some civil society organisations (CSOs) have called on the citizens to support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, to enable the government deliver on its promises.
The Coalition for Peace In Nigeria (COPIN), and the Iconoclast Media, who gave the charge in a joint statement on Sunday, also underscored the need for the public to support the military and other security agencies in the country.
While maintaining that security has become a whole-of-society business the world over, the groups further argued that with the involvement of the citizens, through the provision of human intelligence (HUMIT), victory against non-state actors was assured.
In the statement signed by the National Coordinator of COPIN, Pharm Emeka Akwuobi, and National Secretary of Iconoclast, Dr. Mayago Mayago, the coalition appealed to well-meaning Nigerians, especially the youth, to eschew divisive tendencies, and resist attempts by subversive elements to use them as “cannon fodder”.
According to the joint statement, both intelligence and security agencies have continued to work night-and-day, in order to secure the lives and properties of the citizenry, as well as sustain the inviolability of the State.
Specifically, the coalition expressed optimism that the reforms initiated by the President Tinubu-led Administration will start yielding the desired outcomes in the year 2024.
“As we eagerly await the New Year, we enjoin Nigerians to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of Resident Tinubu, which places premium on security, economy, health among other critical sectors that hasten development, and entrench stability.
“As patriotic, non-profit organisations, we have studied the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President, and we believe that the former Governor of Lagos State is irrevocably committed to the turning around of the country for good.
“As responsible members of the public, we must discharge our civic duty and obligation with patriotic zeal, and unparalleled dedication, bearing in mind the fact that government’s success, or otherwise is dependent on the extent of citizens’ support and participation.
“Let us, as individuals, groups and organisations fulfill our social contract obligation, and trust the government to discharge her burden of guaranteeing security and public safety, welfare among other basic needs of life”.
Meanwhile, the coalition has made a strong case for a whole-of-society-approach to security management in the country, charging Nigerians to reenact the know-your-neighbour concept.
“We must reestablish the principle of know-your-neighbour in our respective communities, as that will facilitate the easy identification of strange elements among us.
“Once that is done, it becomes easy to isolate, identify and report strangers and suspicious activities to security agencies for prompt action.
“In the face of this, however, we plead with our dear countrymen and women to ensure that information being passed to the military and security agencies, are authentic and reliable.
“Our investigations so far revealed that, in many instances, citizens had provided misleading information to state actors, leading to cases of misadventure.
“Lastly, let us stop vilifying and disparaging our security managers and architecture with unguarded comments, and rather encourage them to continue to sacrifice for the good of citizens and nation, while we sleep with our eyes closed”.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
