The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) calls on the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to rise to its constitutional responsibility of protecting the lives and property of all citizens.
For far too long, Nigerians have lived under the crushing weight of insecurity, mass abductions, targeted killings, and attacks on schools, homes, roads, farmlands, and places of worship.
Families mourn daily, communities remain traumatized, and the nation’s most vulnerable continue to bear the greatest burden.
Despite persistent public outcry, government responses have been slow, inconsistent, and detached from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.
It is deeply troubling that the Federal Government once claimed to possess a list of terrorism sponsors, yet failed to disclose or act on this critical information.
Such inaction has fuelled public distrust and reinforced the perception that the lives of citizens are not a priority.
CHRICED is further alarmed that it took international pressure, particularly the warning by the President of the United States describing Nigeria as a “country of particular concern (CPC)” and condemning religious violence, for Nigerian authorities to show urgency.
The escalation of attacks on schools and churches since then underscores the need for an intelligence-driven, coordinated national security strategy.
On Recycling Political Elites and Questionable Characters
After nearly three years in office, the Federal Government’s sudden decision to nominate ambassadors raises serious questions about leadership responsiveness.
Even more troubling is the continued recycling of the same political elites and questionable characters into positions of national importance.
In a country of over 200 million citizens, this practice reflects a dangerous pattern of exclusion, complacency, and disregard for merit.
By recycling individuals who have failed to deliver in the past, government signals to citizens that competence and integrity are secondary to patronage and political loyalty.
This entrenched culture of recycling not only sidelines fresh, capable hands but also perpetuates mediocrity, weakens institutions, and erodes public confidence.
Nigeria cannot afford to keep entrusting critical responsibilities to individuals whose track records inspire doubt rather than confidence.
What the nation needs now are leaders of proven integrity, vision, and courage, people who can command respect both at home and abroad, and who will put national interest above personal gain.
We commend the Senate’s recent vigilance in refusing the usual “take a bow and go” approach during the screening of the new Minister of Defence.
We urge the National Assembly to apply the same scrutiny to ambassadorial nominees.
Only individuals of proven integrity, competence, and commitment to national interest should be confirmed. Those unworthy of such responsibility must be rejected without hesitation.
CHRICED also notes with concern that many political actors are already consumed by realignments and manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 elections, while insecurity festers. Leaders must recognise: there will be no 2027 elections without a functioning Nigeria.
The current level of insecurity threatens not only citizens but the very survival of democracy.
Call to Action
- The government must demonstrate genuine political will to confront insecurity. Despite vast resources invested in the security sector, results remain inadequate. Where external assistance is needed, Nigeria should seek it without hesitation.
- Anyone sabotaging national security efforts, within or outside government, must face immediate and severe consequences under the law.
- CHRICED congratulates the newly appointed Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, and urges all stakeholders to give him maximum cooperation in the task of securing the nation.
- Citizens must be placed at the centre of all policy decisions. Protecting lives is the highest national priority.
- Transparency is essential. The government must publicly disclose individuals and networks known to be sponsoring terrorism.
Nigeria’s democracy must serve the masses, not a privileged few. Leaders must listen to the people, prioritise safety, and confront the urgent challenges threatening the nation.
The lives of citizens matter. Their fears are legitimate. Their safety is non-negotiable.
CHRICED stands firmly with the Nigerian people and will continue to advocate for accountable, responsive, and people-centred governance.
It is time for the government to listen, and act.
