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SPOTLIGHTS
- Afenifere condemns both the killing of soldiers and the military’s heavy-handed reprisals.
- The group calls for dialogue, legal recourse, and peaceful resolution of grievances.
- Afenifere stresses the need for a more just and equitable society through restructuring.
- The statement highlights the importance of a professional and decentralised police force.
The pan-Nigerian welfare group, Afenifere, has expressed concern over the increasing frequency of civilian-army clashes in the country. They implore citizens, the army, and the government to pursue justice, peace, and unity to prevent total anarchy and the breakdown of national order.
This call to action is contained in a statement signed by Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye. The statement highlights the recent killings of soldiers by non-state actors and the subsequent military reprisals, particularly in Delta and Abia States, as warning signs of escalating anarchy.
“The killing of soldiers and the brutal reprisals that have accompanied them in Delta and Abia States have created a crisis of mutual recrimination in recent times. All over the world, citizens revere their soldiers and are only attacked when viewed as an army of occupation. The present situation is unacceptable, and Afenifere will not allow itself to be desensitised to these killings and watch the slide towards anarchy,” the statement reads.
To address this looming threat, Afenifere suggests the following:
Citizens must seek justice through legal means: The group urges aggrieved citizens to pursue their grievances through democratic processes rather than resorting to violence, which only breeds further chaos.
Community elders must guide the youth: Elders are urged to prevent the radicalisation of young people and discourage them from being manipulated by those with harmful intentions.
The army must exercise restraint and avoid collective punishment: Afenifere appeals to the army to refrain from retaliating against entire communities, as this often harms innocent individuals. They emphasise the importance of thorough investigations to identify and apprehend the actual perpetrators.
The President must address calls for restructuring: Afenifere urges President Bola Tinubu to heed the calls for restructuring the country’s political system. They argue that a more just and equitable system will reduce tensions and prevent citizens from feeling the need to resort to violence.
The police force must be strengthened and modernised: Afenifere calls for a more professional, well-equipped, and decentralised police force capable of effectively handling civilian issues. They argue that a more community-oriented police force, trained in peace and conflict resolution, is essential.
Devolution of power is crucial: Afenifere reiterates the need for restructuring to address the root causes of unrest, including agitations for self-determination. They believe that devolving power from the central government will help bridge the gap between the government and the governed.
The group cites the 1949 Geneva Conventions, particularly Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention and Article 4 of Additional Protocol II, which prohibit collective punishment, even in times of war. They stress that democratic nations prioritise protecting the innocent over punishing the guilty.
Afenifere concludes by urging a shift away from deploying the army to address civilian matters. They believe that a stronger, more professional police force, coupled with a restructured political system, will create a more stable and peaceful Nigeria.
