The All Progressives Congress, APC, has said that the State of Emergency imposed in the three north-eastern states of Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe have failed to curb the security challenges in those states.
The party’s position was made known by its Interim National Chairman, Bisi Akande, via a communique read to journalists on Tuesday in Abuja after a meeting of the leaders of the party, held at Kano State Governors lodge, Abuja.
The communique said since the declaration of state of emergency in the states over six months ago, “life and property have been under severe attacks”.
It said a large number of residents in the states have been displaced and forced to migrate to adjourning states or outside the country.
“These victims have been uprooted from their homes, families and jobs. They have lost hope in the ability of their country to protect them. Clearly the state of emergency has failed,” the party said.
The APC was reacting to Monday’s attack on some key military bases and the Airport in Maiduguri, Borno State. The party said never since the Nigerian civil war has a major military establishment been so grounded as the onslaught on the military base in Maiduguri on December 2. It said the gradual deterioration of security, and mounting civilian casualties are symptomatic of the failure of intelligence, political naivety and disconnect between the Jonathan administration and current realities of the Nigerian situation.
What to do
APC blamed the president for excluding elected governors and other stakeholders in the area since the declaration of emergency rule.
It therefore called on Mr. Jonathan to reconsider the issue of compensation for victims of attacks.
“The issue of compensation should not be one of negotiation. The government must compensate victims,” it said.
It also asked Mr. Jonathan to fully implement the Lemu report.
The Lemu report had called on the government to ensure all those found responsible for causing instability in the region be arrested and prosecuted.
It also asked the Federal Government to pay serious attention to critical infrastructure in the region and implement all poverty alleviation strategy and employment.
The APC said the Lemu report with its template for an interim escape route provides the basis for constructive engagement.
“We urge the government to dust it up along relevant reports on Nigerian security to assist it in its strategy towards effective national security,” the party said.
ASUU Imbroglio
The APC also blamed Mr. Jonathan for the ongoing face-off between the government and university lecturers for failing to confront key issues of university education and administration in the country.
The party said the current impasse has paralysed tertiary education nationwide, which also has the potential to compromise security by creating idle youth thereby potentially foreclosing their prospects for a bright future.
“Now is the time for the Jonathan administration to show leadership by working with university lecturers to find a lasting solution to the challenges confronting university education,” it said.
It said the government should work towards proper funding for universities as well as the provision of infrastructure, standards, and welfare and administration.
It said now is not the time for threats but partnerships and comprise, because the youth are the best resource for tomorrow.
“As a political party, as parents and guardians, our heart goes out to millions of our youths who have been deprived their right to education for over half of an academic session through no fault of theirs,” the APC added.
INEC
The APC also had some harsh words for the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
The party accused the electoral umpire of recently bungling the Delta Senatorial election and the Anambra State governorship election.
It said the actions of INEC are a signpost to a broken electoral system.
“Less than six months to elections in Ekiti and Osun with 2015 looming ahead we are burdened with an INEC that has been de-robed in the public eye, unprepared, compromised and does not inspire faith in the electorate.”
The APC said the scale of electoral fraud witnessed in Delta and Anambra states portends grave danger for Nigeria’s democracy. It said INEC needs an urgent and necessary overhaul.
To that regard, the APC calls for the full implementation of the Mohammadu Uwais report on electoral reforms.
“Rather than a selective approach, we demand a wholesale implementation of the recommendations submitted.
The independence of INEC, the institution of full biometrics that can guarantee the protection of one man, one vote and the integrity of the election process are cornerstone of a credible electoral system,” it said.
The communique also accused the federal Government of using anti-corruption agencies against its perceived political opponents.
It said the abuse of the agencies undermine their integrity and subverts the rule of law.
The party said it observed a trend in which selected governors and other top political figures are being victimised. It said this does not bode well for a civil relationship in Nigeria’s body politic, because it emphasises revenge over fairness and breeds, malice, rancour and distrust. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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