By Mercy Aikoye
A coalition of civil society organisations under the banner of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance in Nigeria on Thursday called on security agencies to arrest activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, over what it described as actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s national security.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, the Director of Programmes, Johnson Micheal, commended President Bola Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff for expanding the country’s military capacity and improving the welfare of personnel, describing the initiatives as critical steps towards strengthening national security.
He said the coalition recognised the sacrifices of members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, noting that they remained vital to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy and territorial integrity.
According to him, the Federal Government is making significant efforts to tackle insecurity across the country, urging Nigerians not to politicise security challenges or distract the administration from its ongoing reforms. He also expressed confidence that the new national minimum wage would be implemented next year, calling on citizens to support government policies aimed at improving the country’s stability and economic growth.
The coalition called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the National Security Adviser and President Tinubu to take action against Sowore.
Micheal alleged that the activist had engaged in actions capable of undermining national security and insisted that he should be made to appear before a competent court to answer the allegations against him.
Drawing comparisons with other individuals and organisations that have appeared before investigative or judicial authorities, he argued that no Nigerian should be considered above the law and urged security agencies to ensure due process was followed.
The coalition also cautioned against the use of court premises for political mobilisation, warning that judicial environments should not be turned into venues for confrontations capable of disrupting legal proceedings.
It further stated that should Sowore and his supporters organise protests within or around court premises, members of the coalition would reserve the right to stage peaceful and lawful counter-demonstrations in defence of what they described as Nigeria’s peace, security and democratic institutions.
The group concluded by calling on Nigerians to unite in support of efforts to combat insecurity and terrorism, saying collective action remained essential to building a safe, peaceful and prosperous nation.
