By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) and civic leaders has expressed outrage over a recent Unit...
By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) and civic leaders has expressed outrage over a recent United States air strike on Nigerian territory, accusing the country’s political and military leadership of silence and abdication of responsibility.
In a joint statement signed by several organisations, the groups questioned Nigeria’s sovereignty and adherence to constitutional governance, warning that the incident raises serious concerns about civilian protection and the integrity of the nation’s social contract.
The CSOs criticised President Bola Tinubu, alleging that he had failed in his constitutional role as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces by allowing a foreign power to intervene in what they described as an internal security challenge.
According to the statement, the President, service chiefs, and leadership of the National Assembly were either on vacation or remained silent in the aftermath of the strike, leaving the Minister of Foreign Affairs to justify actions that, they argued, undermine national sovereignty and democratic accountability.
The coalition cited Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
They stressed that any security operation—particularly one involving foreign military forces—must be anchored on transparency, protection of civilians, and democratic oversight.
The CSOs also raised concerns over the absence of clear information on the nature, scope, and legal framework governing the reported collaboration between the Nigerian and United States governments.
They further drew attention to reports that debris from the air strike fell on farmlands in parts of Sokoto and Kwara states, highlighting potential risks to civilian lives, livelihoods, and property.
The coalition called for an independent and transparent investigation into the incident, public disclosure of findings, and adequate compensation for affected individuals and communities.
They warned that what they described as poor handling of the situation by the government could heighten tensions and deepen social and political divisions across the country.
The statement concluded that if the President and security leadership lack the capacity to effectively manage Nigeria’s internal security challenges, they should resign, insisting that Nigerians deserve accountable leadership and a security framework rooted in sovereignty, the rule of law, and respect for human life.
The statement was jointly signed by several prominent organisations, including Amnesty International Nigeria, the Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the CLEEN Foundation, and the Human Rights Network, among others.
No comments