By Daniel Tyokua
A group, Africa Centre for Leadership Strategy & Development has begun preparations that would create a cordial working relationship between security men and civilians, not friction.
Executive Director of the group, Mr Monday Osasah said Centre LSD had involved strategic stakeholders to appraise measures to be adopted in finding out human rights violation and abuses.
He stated this in Abuja, during a citizen’s forum titled: ‘Strengthening Pan-African citizen’s voices for security sector accountability (SpaVoSSA).
Osasah explained that the programme which is being championed by Centre LSD was to ensure that citizens know how best to demand for accountability from the security agencies, or personnel and not condemnations.
The ED disclosed that after the Abuja meeting, there shall be a second one in Lagos state after which there would be a well -structured legislative framework that will strengthen the manner security agencies enforce laws.
“We are engaging key stakeholders on the need to strengthening citizens voices on how best to demand for their rights, after all our meetings with strategic actors will come up with a legislation that would provide a better guide”
On the idea that birthed the initiative, he said, “The COVID-19 pandemic raised a lot of challenges that affected different aspects of Citizens’ lives across the globe including the African continent.
“At least Forty-two African Governments implemented partial or full lockdown measures and movement restrictions to contain the spread of the disease following the recommendations by relevant experts.
“The developments led to accusations that the measures were used by Government and Security forces to muzzle and trample on the rights of citizens. To put things in a better perspective and reassure Citizens, the centre LSD with support from TrustAfrica under its Governance programme initiated this project, geared towards strengthening Pan-African Citizen’s Voices for Security Sector Accountability (SpaVoSSA)” he said.
In his address, the provost Centre for Strategic Research and Studies National Defence College, Dr Chijioke Wigwe identified more training and monitoring of security operatives especially while they are on assignment to curb human abuses and violations.
Wigwe who was represented by Anayo Unoneme said there was the need for multiple layers monitoring of armed security men deployed for any exercise, to halt incidences that result to extra judicial killings across the country.
However, other speakers at the event advocated for proper examination of increase in extra judicial killings and disproportionate use of force by the police and other security agencies.
Some of the speakers called for reform in the judiciary system as well as proper data of inmates in Correctional centres with suspects behind bar to help during contingency.
