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Tag: CSOs

  • CSOs call for dedicated humanitarian fund to support IDPs, refugees

    CSOs call for dedicated humanitarian fund to support IDPs, refugees

    A group has called for a dedicated humanitarian fund to provide timely and comprehensive support to those affected by violent conflicts, natural disasters, and other crises.

    The proposed fund, Humanitarian Relief, Recovery, and Reintegration Fund (HRRRF), is expected to support Internally Displaced Persons and refugees across the country.

    The group, Civil Society Budget Implementation Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (CBIAMEC), also urged the National Assembly to begin the legislative process to establish the fund immediately.

    The Chairman of the group, Amb. Splendour Agbonkpolor, who made the call in Abuja on Thursday at a press briefing, said the funds would assist the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in their operations.

    On the importance of the fund, he said, “The number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), returnees, asylum seekers, and refugees continues to rise at an alarming rate. These populations require immediate relief in the form of food, shelter, clothing, and medical care.

    “Beyond relief, they also need education, psychosocial support, economic empowerment, and pathways to rebuild and reintegrate into society. It is because of these that CBIAMEC is calling for urgent and sustainable action.

    “The scale of the humanitarian crisis clearly outweighs the resources currently available to the NCFRMI and NEMA, which are the agencies mandated to coordinate protection, care, emergency response, and reintegration for these vulnerable groups.

    “We therefore strongly call for the creation of a Humanitarian Relief, Recovery, and Reintegration Fund (HRRRF), a dedicated national pool of resources that will enable timely response, ensure proper coordination, and sustain long-term rehabilitation and reintegration efforts for displaced persons across Nigeria”.

    He added that with the fund, relief items would be deployed immediately to affected communities without bureaucratic delays and also provide a platform for coordination among stakeholders to avoid duplication and ensure maximum impact.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu orders probe into N545b humanitarian funds paid into private account

    Agbonkpolor said: “With climate change and insecurity driving displacement, the fund will also be used for preventive measures, building stronger communities that are better prepared for future shocks.

    “We hereby call on the National Assembly to immediately begin the legislative process to establish this Fund. This should not be a temporary or ad-hoc initiative but a permanent national mechanism, enshrined in law, and backed by clear provisions for transparency, accountability, independent audits, and periodic public reporting”.

    He noted that the responsibility for funding must not rest on the federal government alone.

    “State governments, as the first line of response and the direct custodians of their citizens, must also contribute systematically to this fund. By doing so, each state will have both ownership and responsibility in addressing the crises within its jurisdiction while benefiting from national coordination through the commission and the agency.

    “We therefore call on all stakeholders, the National Assembly, the Executive, State Governments, development partners, and the private sector to act with urgency and responsibility. This is not just a budgetary issue; it is a moral obligation. To fail to act is to abandon millions of vulnerable Nigerians and refugees who look to us for survival and for a future.”

  • CSOs, media move to tackle violent extremism, renew call for state police

    CSOs, media move to tackle violent extremism, renew call for state police

    The Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) Network has called on the Nigerian media to take a stronger role in shaping narratives that discourage radicalisation, while renewing demands for decentralised policing to strengthen internal security.

    Speaking at the launch of the Media in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) Network in Abuja on Monday, PAVE, in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria and the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF), warned that sensational reporting could fuel conflict rather than mitigate it.

    Chairman of PAVE’s Steering Committee, Jaye Gaskia, said Nigeria’s prolonged battle with extremism required a “whole-of-society” approach, with the media and policing reforms playing central roles.

    “The way we tell our national story matters. If we consistently choose sensationalism, we deepen divides and amplify fear. But if we elevate voices of resilience, highlight peace initiatives and frame issues responsibly, we can help build a more peaceful and secure Nigeria,” Gaskia said.

    He criticised Nigeria’s centralised policing system as a relic of military rule, stressing that community-based policing is more effective for a country as vast and diverse as Nigeria.

    “In a country with such ethnic diversity and a large population, the belief that we can police this nation from one central location is precisely why we continue to get it wrong,” he said, citing the United Kingdom and United States as examples of countries with multiple policing structures.

    Read Also: CSOs seek harmonised regulations, enabling environment in southwest

    He urged the enactment of a Federal Police Act and a National Policing Act to set minimum standards for decentralised police forces, with safeguards to prevent abuse. 

    While acknowledging fears of state police misuse, he said such risks could be mitigated through federal oversight and civic monitoring.

    GCERF’s National Coordinator, Yetunde Adegoke, noted that nearly a decade of interventions in the North-Central and North-West had underscored the importance of local ownership in peacebuilding.

    “As donors, we can only ever be catalysts. What we are really looking forward to is catalysing a very sustainable way of preventing violent extremism and building resilient communities,” she said.

    Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, represented by Project Coordinator Aliyu Adamu, also cautioned journalists against reinforcing dangerous stereotypes.

    “I have never been to Maiduguri, but years ago, because of the way the media projected the city, I felt everywhere in Maiduguri was consumed by violence. That is how powerful the media is—it can shape perceptions, whether accurate or not,” he said.

    The two-day programme featured a workshop, roundtable dialogue, and training on conflict-sensitive journalism for reporters covering peace and security issues, aimed at institutionalising media engagement in line with Nigeria’s National Action Plan on PCVE.

  • CSOs seek harmonised regulations, enabling environment in southwest

    CSOs seek harmonised regulations, enabling environment in southwest

    Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have called on the government and relevant stakeholders to create an enabling environment and streamline regulatory frameworks to enhance their operations across the southwest region.

    The appeal was made in Ibadan during the 2025 Southwest Regional Conference, themed “Scaling Policy to Action – Strengthening the Regulatory Environment for Sustainable CSO Operations in the South West Region.”

    The conference, supported by the European Union, Global Rights, and the Community of Practice on Civil Space Strengthening, focused on reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks, improving accessibility, and addressing coordination gaps.

    The participants were urged to adopt harmonised policies that would eliminate multiple registration requirements and foster a more supportive operational landscape for CSOs.

    Speaking at the event, the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro, described CSOs as critical players in promoting good governance and democracy.

    He stressed the need for a strengthened regulatory environment aligned with modern laws and international best practices, assuring that the Senate is open to stakeholders’ input in developing a national policy framework.

    “The contributions of CSOs are immense. As policymakers, we value your views and are committed to translating them into effective policies,” Yaro said.

    Also addressing the gathering, the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Justice M.O. Ishola, noted that constitutional ambiguities have complicated state-level incorporation and created overlapping regulations.

    Read Also: CSOs raise alarm over industry influence on UN declaration on NCDs, mental health

    She advocated for clarifying Item 32 in the 1999 Constitution, possibly through legislative action or judicial interpretation, to provide legal certainty and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens.

    The conference also reviewed the progress made since its 2024 edition, highlighting the need for sustained efforts to ensure CSOs can continue holding the government accountable and protecting the rights of vulnerable communities.

    She said, “The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, in its Second Schedule, presents us with the challenge of Item 32. This constitutional ambiguity has, for too long, created a legal grey area that complicates state-level incorporation and fosters a culture of multi-agency regulation that is more burdensome than beneficial.

    “The judiciary has a vested interest in clarity and the rule of law. Ambiguity breeds litigation, disputes, and uncertainty-all of which are antithetical to a stable operational environment. Therefore, the advocacy for clarifying Item 32, whether through judicial interpretation or legislative action to move it to the Concurrent List, is a pursuit of legal certainty that the judiciary supports in principle.”

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, Global Rights Governing Board, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, said that for any society that works, citizens must be provided with an enabling environment to speak against societal ills, which, according to him, CSOs help to achieve constructively.

    Odinkalu, who identified immense contributions of CSOs to Nigeria’s socioeconomic development, said all stakeholders are partners in making the society become better for all, hence the need for mutual collaboration.

    He, however, solicited a legal framework that would encourage civil societies to thrive, but warned CSOs not to use it as an opportunity to break the law, urging CSOs to conform to ethical standards and prioritise doing things in the right way while performing their civic duties.

    Also, the Head of Cooperation, European Union Delegation to Nigeria and West Africa, Mr. Massimo DE LUCA, said the outcome of the conference would reflect on better performances of CSOs across Nigeria.

  • CSOs raise alarm over industry influence on UN declaration on NCDs, mental health

    CSOs raise alarm over industry influence on UN declaration on NCDs, mental health

    Civil society organisations have warned that efforts to strengthen global action on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health are at risk, as powerful industry lobbying threatens to weaken a key United Nations political declaration.

    The final draft of the UN Political Declaration on NCDs and Mental Health—set for adoption at the fourth UN High-Level Meeting (HLM4) on September 25 during the UN General Assembly in New York—has come under heavy criticism for allegedly reflecting the interests of major industries, including tobacco, alcohol, junk food, and fossil fuels, over public health.

    “It looks like health-harming industry fingerprints are all over this,” said Alison Cox, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the NCD Alliance. She criticised the draft for downplaying the use of health taxes, calling them a missed opportunity to both reduce disease burdens and raise domestic revenue amid global funding constraints.

    Noncommunicable diseases—such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory illnesses—are the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for 43 million deaths annually, or 75 per cent of all global fatalities.

    Despite the urgency, health advocates say the Declaration lacks ambition. The NCD Alliance noted that strong terms like “implement” and “enact” have been replaced with weaker language such as “consider” and “encourage,” undermining firm commitments. Targets previously outlined in the Zero Draft have also been scaled back.

    Another major concern is the marginalisation of civil society. The Alliance pointed out that the draft makes only one mention of civil society and gives limited attention to the voices of those living with NCDs.

    Read Also: Nigeria, others rally for united global action on food security at UN Summit

    “History has taught us that ignoring the integral role of civil society, communities, and people living with diseases weakens any meaningful public health response,” Cox stated.

    With final negotiations underway, the NCD Alliance is urging member states to push back against industry influence and ensure that the Declaration prioritises bold, evidence-based action to address the global burden of NCDs and mental health challenges.

    “The mandate for HLM4 was clear: deliver a concise, action-oriented Declaration that builds on previous commitments, mobilises political will, and outlines measurable targets. The current draft falls significantly short,” the group said.

    As the countdown to the September 25 meeting continues, all eyes are on governments to see whether they will rise above corporate influence and reaffirm a global commitment to saving millions of lives through meaningful action on NCDs and mental health.

  • CSOs: Fake news, blackmail of govt officials, threat to national security, development

    CSOs: Fake news, blackmail of govt officials, threat to national security, development

    The Conference of Civil Societies (CCS) has issued a warning about the impact of fake news and blackmail on the nation’s development.

    Adams Otakwu, the chairperson of CCS and coordinator of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMICO), addressed reporters on Tuesday, July 23 in Abuja.

    He expressed grave concern about the resurgence of fake news and blackmail targeting both government and non-governmental officials.

    Analysing the situation, Otakwu said: “These fake news and blackmails range from allegations of massive corruption, money laundering, gross abuse of office, running of private companies, failure to declare assets contrary to Part 1 of the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), and alleged violation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) for Officers 2017.

    “Earlier this year (precisely on January 31st), we held a crucial National Round Table with government ministries, departments and agencies, armed forces, security and intelligence agencies, civil societies, and the media at the National Human Rights Commission Abuja, during which we launched the National Fake Tracker to address this grave concern, and the success has had far-reaching impact.

    “However, there is a resurgence of the trend on targeted at Heads of MDAs of Government, Military Chiefs, Heads of Security, and Intelligence Agencies, and Renowned Private Citizens.

    “The blackmailers often collude with internal elements who volunteer official secrets in a bid to unseat their principals.”

    He explained the extent those blackmailers have gone to carry out their act, adding, “The blackmailers then negotiate for lucrative contracts, job placements, or appointments. In their bid to further harass their victims, they petition them to the National Assembly.

    “This heinous and dangerous trend poses a significant threat to national security and development.”

    He drew the attention of the National Assembly to these developments, adding, “We urge the National Assembly to be aware of such misleading and malicious petitions and to act in the best interest of national security and development, as fake news and blackmail have no place in our constitution.

    CCSs lambasted the irresponsible and dubious groups that acted in violation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.

    “We will activate actions for the intelligence community to immediately investigate these elements, their registration status, board of trustees, and activities.

    Read Also: West African CSOs seek two-term limit for heads of state, govt

    “Furthermore, we shall not hesitate to name and shame those internal elements with whom they collude in various MDAs, Armed Forces, Security Agencies, and other institutions of Government.

    “Civil Societies the world over represent how public life should function within and between societies through advocacies and not to be involved in fake news, blackmail, and other reckless activities that tarnish the image of genuine and progressive civil societies.”

    CCCs disclosed that it will hold its 2nd National Round Table on Fake News and Blackmail of Government and Non-Governmental Office Holders in Abuja this month to rid the country of this menace and safeguard national security and development.

  • CSOs to track six states’ projects

    CSOs to track six states’ projects

    The Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Kwara, Anambra, Bayelsa, Jigawa, Yobe, and Osun States have been urged to track government projects in their states.

    This is being done by Connected Development (CODE) who is galvanising CSOs and Community-Based Organizations to form a Community of Practice (CoP) in elevating social accountability processes and advocating for transparency and accountability.

    Chief Executive CODE, Hamzat Lawal, said his organisation built an impactful system of leveraging on Follow The Money Model to deepen Citizens Interest in Government Spending and Addressing Accompanying Corrupt Practices.

    He said this yesterday in Abuja at the Project Trust Retreat for CSOs and Community-Based Organizations from the six states.

    He said the model was used in 2021 in Kaduna State and was called the Deepening Citizens Interest in Government Spending and Addressing Accompanying Corrupt Practices in Kaduna State (DeSPAAC) project, tracking an impressive N9.3 billion across 47 projects, directly reaching 30 communities in the three senatorial zones in Kaduna State.

    Lawal said: “These numbers are more than just statistics; they represent lives touched, needs met, and a shared commitment to a better future.

    “Now, we find ourselves at the inception of a new and transformative project – ProjectTrust, an upscaling of DeSPAAC Project. This Project aims to galvanize Civil Society Organizations and Community-Based Organizations like you all to form a Community of Practice (CoP) in elevating social accountability processes and advocating for transparency and accountability in six strategically selected states across the six Geopolitical zones in Nigeria: Kwara from the Northcentral, Anambra in the Southeast, Bayelsa in the Southsouth, Jigawa in the Northwest, Yobe in the Northeast, and Osun from the Southwest.

    Read Also: Ibadan explosion: Oyo monarchs meet Makinde, declare support for fight against illegal mining

    “ProjectTrust’s core strategy is centered around leveraging these CoPs to champion social accountability by promoting the institutionalization, adaptation, adoption, and utilization of proven systems developed by CODE in Kaduna since 2017. The carefully selected members of the CoPs across the country will play a pivotal role in spearheading the expansion and implementation of our accountability systems to all zones within their respective states.

    “Therefore, it is with great enthusiasm that we have organized this Retreat/Capacity Building event for CoPs from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. This event is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate this significant undertaking. Our comprehensive capacity-building sessions and project onboarding will ensure that each participant understands the project’s objectives, deliverables, anticipated outcomes, and outputs.

    “In addition, we are honored to have esteemed representatives from the MacArthur ON Joinbodi program with us. Their invaluable mentorship will play a crucial role in guiding and supporting the CoPs on this transformative journey. We trust that the Joinbodi cohort members will adopt CoPs as mentees, fostering a collaborative environment that will contribute to the success of ProjectTrust.”

  • CSOs to FG, States: be transparent in policy implementation

    CSOs to FG, States: be transparent in policy implementation

    Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have asked Federal and State Governments to be open in implementing their policies to advance the common good and effect positive change in the society. 

    The societies made the demand at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Accountability Summit in Abuja organised by the Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI), BudgIT Foundation, Connected Development (CODE), Dataphyte, Agora Policy, Accountability Lab Nigeria, Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Step Up Nigeria, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), and Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation.

    The summit with the theme “Institutionalising Accountability for Effective Public Administration in Nigeria” focused on social, financial, political, legal, administrative, and ethical accountability systems.. 

    It attracted  policy makers and field experts to identify policy implementation challenges impeding sustainable development, agree on feasible solutions to address these challenges, recognise relevant actors to implement recommended solutions and jointly pursue expected changes to improve the quality of life for Nigerians.

    Executive Director, PLSI, Olusegun Elemo affirmed the need to ensure public administrators are accountable in implementing their policies to advance the common good and effect positive change in the society. 

    Elemo said: “Nigerians elected the 7th consecutive civilian government in February 2023 and all national and subnational governments have begun implementing policies targeting different sectors of our national life. Some of these policies are having untold hardship for citizens with many now looking for when the benefits of these policies will start to materialise. 

    “Therefore, it is important to make sure that policy actors are held accountable to ensure objectives of their policies are achieved to improve citizens’ welfare.”

    A communique issued at the end of the summit recommended the strengthening of regulators and oversight bodies by providing necessary resources, authority, and autonomy for effective monitoring and enforcement.

    It also recommended an enhanced oversight capabilities to ensure efficient functioning.

    It called for a the implementation of a merit-based criteria for appointments and promotions within governmental bodies. 

    “This fosters trust by ensuring qualified individuals hold positions, promoting competence in public administration,” the communique said. 

    The communique reads in part, “There is a need to develop action plans to improve the justice system’s capacity, including court efficiency, legal procedures, and timely dispute resolution. Strengthening the legal framework is crucial for accountability in public administration.

    “Digitise government processes to enhance accessibility and transparency. Utilize technology for citizen engagement, feedback gathering, and communication, fostering responsiveness and reinforcing the governance structure.

    “Enable citizens to exercise their constitutional right to recall non-performing legislators. This mechanism ensures elected representatives remain accountable, promoting better governance and responsiveness.

    “Create sound policies addressing specific challenges, focusing on transparent tax classifications, and removing small, burdensome taxes. Establish a clear threshold for taxpayers to enhance fiscal transparency.

    “Conduct adequate analysis of governance activities and communicate findings to citizens. Transparency in government actions strengthens accountability and builds trust with the public.

    “Improve law enforcement and the judicial system to ensure effective checks and balances in government. This step contributes to a more accountable and transparent public administration.

    Read Also: ‘How CSOs contribute to West Africa development’

    “Strengthen key institutions like the judiciary, electoral bodies, and anti-corruption agencies. These institutions are vital for upholding the rule of law, ensuring fair elections, and combating corruption.

    “Encourage independence within the newsroom to combat misinformation. Establish and enforce guidelines to ensure responsible reporting, contributing to an informed public and accountability.”

    The communique also called for a framework for consequence management to address transparency and accountability in Nigeria systematically. 

    It added that this ensures that actions have appropriate consequences, reinforcing a culture of accountability.

  • CSOs support NEITI

    CSOs support NEITI

    Civil Society Organisations (CSO) have pledged support for the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) in its pursuit for transparency and accountability in the oil, gas and mining sectors and to forge common front to advance good governance of the extractive sector.

    This is coming after an enlarged all inclusive consultative forum convened by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.

    The CSOs underlined the need for unity, commitment to reconciliation to ensure effective discharge of their roles as animportant stakeholder in the NEITI/Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) process.

    Read Also: NGX Group optimistic govt reforms will boost corporate performance

    The CSO forum further resolved to commence the healing and reconciliation to build stronger partnership in using NEITI reports to push for reforms under the NEITI/EITI principles of transparency and accountability.

    The Deputy Director/Head Communications and Stakeholders Management of NEITI, Obiageli Onuora, said at the meeting, an all-inclusive Committee to harmonise frameworks and platforms of engagements into a comprehensive NEITI-CSO Constituency Guideline for the sector was set up.

    According to her, the new guideline to be developed is to be modeled after EITI Constituency guideline released at the Dakar Global Conference in June.

    Onuora disclosed the Seven Man Committee was chaired by Tijah Bolton, Executive Director, Policy Alert and Mrs. Juliet UkanNwosu, Executive Director, Extractive 360 as Secretary of the Committee.

    Other members of the Committee she further disclosed included Mr. Taiwo Otitolaye; Co-ordinator, Publish What You Pay Nigeria (PWYP), Mrs. Faith Nwadishi; Executive Director, Centre for Transparency and Accountability (CTA), Dr Mina Ogbanga; Executive Director, Centre for Development Support Initiatives (CEDSI) and Mr. Bassey Udo, Chairman, Media Initiative for Transparency in Extractive Industries (MITEI).

    The Civil Society Organisations who commended NEITI Secretariat for initiating and facilitating the meeting however called for sustained regular engagements.

    It also welcomed the Federal Government special support to NEITI Secretariat to secure a befitting permanent Office Accommodation and commended NEITI’s prompt utilisation of the opportunity.

    The CSOs though urged the EITI globally to acknowledge the permanent office accomplishment by Nigeria for NEITI as a rare innovation worthy of emulation by other EITI implementing countries.

  • CSOs score Benue low on budget implementation

    A consortium of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) said the 2017 budget was poorly implemented and does not meet the yearning and aspiration of the people, especially women.

    Addressing a press conference in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, to present the 2017 budget project monitoring report to the media and other stakeholders, the CSOs said the budget was poorly implemented, as some projects remained unexecuted, while no work was carried on some but contracts awarded.

    The joint press conference of CSOs consortium was tagged ‘Ensuring Éffective Implementation of Programmes, Policies and Legislation,’ that contribute towards achieving gender equality by 2030.

    Mrs. Victoria Esa, who read the text of the press conference and presented the report on behalf  of the CSOs on monitoring of capital projects from Benue State Government 2017 budget, said the monitoring of projects was carried out  in three (3) local government areas, namely Gwer East,  Ado and Tarka local government areas.

    Esa stated that from the findings, some projects which would have impacted on the rural people were neither abandoned nor executed.

    Read Also: Death of 50 in Benue’s fire avoidable, says Senate

    She said CSOs carried out projects monitoring in two (2) ministries: Ministry for Rural Development and Cooperatives and the Ministry of Works, Transport and Energy.

    In the report, she stated that out of 40 projects monitored in communities across three local governments areas, 16 projects amounting to 40percent had no evidence of any work done or commenced; 12 projects making 30percent were incomplete and abandoned, while seven projects making 17 percent have been completed and put to use. She also said work was on-going in five projects (13 percent).

    In their recommendation, the CSOs advised that government should involve them at every stage of projects for proper monitoring and execution, and funds should be made available to contractors to return to site and complete the projects as they are people-oriented.

  • March for Army in Rivers over INEC’s accusations

    CIVIL Society groups (CSOs) have, again, taken to the streets on a peaceful march in Rivers State.

    But this time they were at the headquaters of 6 Division in Bori Camp, Port Harcourt, to berate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for codemning soldiers’ conduct in the poll.

    An Amalgamation of Civil Society Organisations (A-CSOs) had marched to the offices of the Director of State Services (DSS) and the Police in Port Harcourt to cry out over a looming danger if Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Obo Effanga was not redeployed.

    INEC, in a report, had  blamed the Army for the  crisis leading to the disruption of the March 9 governorship collation of results.

    INEC alleged  soldiers disrupted the electoral process and the collation of results on March 9.

    But the protesters yesterday said the allegation and indictments were unnecessary, baseless,  ill-fated and unsubstantiated.

    The coalition apologised to the Army, on behalf of the people for the “unguided statements” against it by some politicians in the state.

    Leader of the coalition, Dr. Jackson Omenazu, noted that the allegations were a disservice to credibility of the Army.

    Omenazu, also chancellor of the International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights (ISSJHR),  said: “We are here today to console, condole and commend the 6 Division… for being professional in your conduct during the polls and for the loss of your officers.

    Read also: Rivers AAC governorship candidate alleges threat to life

    “Without your presence and intervention, the election would have been characterised by killings, just like what we had in 2015 when the state was described as a theatre of war.

    “We are standing by the general officer commanding the 6 Division for providing adequate security … This institution shouldn’t have been disparaged by desperate politicians because they provided security…

    “We will continue to support the Army as long as they remain professional and we will not allow anybody to insult the Army.

    He regretted that the INEC failed to acknowledge reports given to it by the Army, adding it was wrong for the umpire to indict an agency it engaged on security.

    “We expected that INEC would condole with the Army for losing officers … but we only heard allegations that the Army meddled in a democratic process. We saw the military escorting sensitive materials and they did not divert it.”

    Omenazu added: “…we say sorry for the unguided statements against the Army. Those statements are absolutely unnecessary.

    “When you tell a man … providing security to the people that he has not done well it is a great disservice,”

    Col. A.D. Abubakar, who received the letter, noted that the document would be forwarded to the appropriate office.