Killings : CSO warns against politicisation of security, urges support for military efforts

A civil society organisation, Peace, Security and Development Initiatives (PSDI), has raised the alarm over what it described as deliberate attempts by some politicians to politicise Nigeria’s security challenges.

Addressing a press conference on the state of the nation in Abuja on Tuesday, the group’s Publicity Secretary, Amechi Chuks Oyema, lauded the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces in tackling insecurity across the country, warning that attempts to downplay their achievements for political gain must be strongly condemned.

He said: “We are all aware of the security challenges facing our country. We are aware of how the present administration of President Bola Tinubu is supporting the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the able leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Chris Musa.

“What some of us are not aware of is the plot by some politicians to politicise the security challenges.

“We are not here to speak for the government or the military, but as stakeholders in the Nigeria project, it is important we let Nigerians know that some who don’t want it to be well would want the crisis not only to persist, but go out of hand.

“Just recently, when 16 Kano-bound hunters were lynched in Uromi, a prominent politician condemned the killings, & demanded probe. Fast-forward to the massacre of 60 Plateau villagers, same politician immediately faulted Tinubu’s security architecture, as if Uromi had a specially designed security architecture!”

Oyema further cited the rescue of the former Director-General of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Maharazu Tsiga (Rtd.), as an example of a positive development that was downplayed by political actors for partisan purposes.

“Another attempt to politicise the security challenges is the recent divine intervention that led to rescue of the former Director-General of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Maharazu Tsiga Rtd.

“Rather than appreciating God and the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the rescue, some have decided to give a different narrative aimed at portraying the government and the Armed Forces of Nigeria as a failure.

“This set of politicians have refused to see anything good in the present administration, hence they will turn their face from the several laudable efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“It is disheartening that a politician of that standing will choose to demoralise troops who are making sacrifices to keep the country safe.

“Left for them, the country should be in flames so they can have avenue to attack the administration.

“We are calling on politicians to show statesmanship. If you throw stone in the market, you don’t know where it will land.”

The group commended the Armed Forces for ongoing efforts in combating terrorism, banditry, and oil theft, noting that significant progress was being made.

“Terrorists, bandits and other criminals are surrendering in droves. Some stubborn ones are being killed. The Armed forces is tackling oil theft, saving the country plenty of money.

“But these set of “pull it” down politicians will not see this. They are only interested in the negatives.

“We use this opportunity to advise especially our youths to shun all negative vices and this set of politicians who have their children abroad but would always want to use innocent youths at home to foment trouble.

“Be aware that the AFN is equal to the task and you wont go scot free if you allow desperate politicians to use you,” the group said.

PSDI also quoted former Director-General of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Maharazu Tsiga ( Rtd.), who recently said “We should not sit down and believe that the government can do it alone. We must do it ourselves.”