CSO Coalition Backs Tinubu's Security Push, Urges Sustained Reforms
A group of civil society organisations has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu and the country's security leadership, saying their handling of insecurity and national defence deserves recognition.
The coalition, which is anchored by the Civil Society for Peace, Security and Development (CSPSD), made its position known on Wednesday in Abuja. Its members addressed journalists following a solidarity march held to mark Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary.
Dr Kabiru Muhammed, the National Coordinator of the group, spoke for the coalition. He said the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, intelligence outfits and other security formations had stepped up coordination and operational dedication, thereby mounting greater pressure on terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements.
According to Muhammed, security agencies working under the Tinubu administration have ramped up operations driven by intelligence and technology, placing stronger focus on collaboration among different agencies. That approach, he said, has helped ongoing efforts to curb insecurity in various parts of the country.
The coalition also praised the security chiefs for shouldering operational responsibility when new threats arise, and observed that the president has kept supplying political direction and backing for the country's security architecture.
In its remarks, the group listed the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye; and Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, as the officials under whom the agencies have deepened intelligence-led operations, joint deployments, surveillance, community engagement and coordinated responses to emerging threats.
Beyond security, the coalition welcomed Federal Government spending on infrastructure, education, energy, youth development, technology and economic reforms, describing these as key parts of a wider transformation agenda.
It nevertheless conceded that the government's economic reforms have brought considerable adjustments and pain for Nigerians. The group said the reforms, despite the hardships they entail, are intended to tackle long-standing structural problems and lay a firmer foundation for democratic dividends under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
On infrastructure, the coalition gave the Federal Government credit for road and rail projects nationwide, pointing to ongoing construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation of highways and major roads, along with railway modernisation.
It also took note of progress in the energy sector, especially moves to boost domestic refining capacity, reinforce electricity infrastructure and advance alternative energy options such as Compressed Natural Gas. Investments in power infrastructure and renewable energy, as well as attempts to settle inherited debts in the electricity sector, are also in progress, the group said.
Turning to human capital, the coalition highlighted federal programmes meant to widen access to education, housing, healthcare and economic opportunities. It singled out the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), noting that the Presidency has reported that over 1.5 million students have benefited from higher-education financing. Federal housing schemes aimed at expanding affordable accommodation and generating jobs were also acknowledged.
Even as it commended the administration, the coalition pressed the Federal Government to keep up its efforts and make sure the gains of the reforms show up in better living conditions for Nigerians. It asked for more focus on employment opportunities, food security, affordable transportation, reliable electricity, education and healthcare.
The group further appealed to Nigerians to back security agencies by supplying useful information, encouraging peaceful coexistence and staying committed to national unity.
It congratulated Nigerians at home and in the diaspora on the 66th Independence Anniversary, expressing hope that sustained reforms, effective security operations and responsible citizenship will help build a safer and more prosperous country.
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