Femi Falana, human rights lawyer,
and Balarabe Musa, former governor of Kaduna, have warned against ethnic
profiling of criminals, saying it may lead to a complete state of anarchy in
the country.
In a statement jointly issued on
Sunday, the two eminent Nigerians stated that it is high time all stakeholders
put hands together to save the country from disintegration.
They also urged elder statesmen
in the country to desist from issuing hate speech and “irresponsible
ultimatums” that can heighten the current state of insecurity.
“Amid the cacophony of ethnic and
regional voices, it is imperative that pan-Nigerian voices should be heard
louder than ever before to save Nigeria from disintegration,” they said.
“In practical terms, no part of
Nigeria is immune to violent crimes, although the incidence might be relatively
higher in one part than the other at this time. Tragic news of lives wasted
issues from the north and south, east and west.
“In response to the flourishing
crimes in the face of the worrisome incompetence of the state, ethnic and
regional champions have resorted into the dangerous ethnic profiling and
demonisation of others.
“It is the reign of hate speech
and marketing of prejudice. Claiming to speak for “our people,” they issue
irresponsible ultimatums and orders for which they lack constitutional
authority to enforce. Some of those who are supposed to act as statesmen at
this critical hour have instead joined the ranks of issuers of prejudicial
statements.”
The duo asked President Muhammadu
Buhari to look into suggestions from conferences and panels set up by the
federal government in the past in order to find solutions to the challenges
affecting the country.
“The appropriate response to
these sectional voices is not to glibly question the patriotism of any person
or group. The effective response is to compel the Nigerian state under the
watch of President Muhammadu Buhari to perform the constitutional duty of
keeping Nigeria secure,” the statement read.
“Nigeria must not be turned into
a killing field. The way to take the wind out of the sails of merchants of hate
is for the government to confront the worsening insecurity in Nigeria squarely
and honestly.
“Law enforcement and other
security agencies should fight crimes competently and strictly according to the
law. In doing so, the ethnic and religious identity of the criminal is not of
any importance. Rather ethnic and religious profiling could distract from the
urgent task of stamping out crimes.
“The truth is that every ethnic
and religious group has its own share of criminals. We must separate crimes from
prejudice so that criminals could be fought with a unity of purpose as a
nation. It is also an indisputable fact that the victims of criminal activities
belong to the various ethnic grounds and religions.
“We are convinced that the
urgency of the situation should compel the Buhari administration to rethink its
internal security strategy by considering some of the patriotic suggestions
from conferences and panels set up by government in the last few years.”
They also demanded that the
police and other security agencies be well equipped to tackle the current
dimensions of insecurity in the country.
“The justice system especially in
the states should be alert to their responsibility of diligent and swift
prosecution of arrested suspected criminals. It is the duty of the respective
attorneys-general in the affected states to prosecute suspected killers,
kidnappers and armed robbers,” it read.
“All the tiers of government have
responsibilities for security, working in unison. If the degeneration in the Nigerian condition
is not halted, the nation may descend into anarchy. Doubtless, the poor people
will bear the brunt of such an avoidable disaster.
“We, therefore, call on President
to rally the country around a national purpose of security everywhere in
Nigeria as the constitution demands. This leadership duty should be in words
and action. The President should address the nation specifically for the
purpose of giving assurance of his commitment to the unity of Nigeria amidst
adequate security.
“It is also the duty of genuine
lovers of peace, freedom and development of Nigeria to speak up in order to
save the nation from descent of anarchy.”
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