The Coalition of Civil Societies For Transparency and Accountability has expressed concerns over the call for the sack of Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC. The demand was made by Hamza N. Dantani, a lawyer and human rights activist, following the death of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody. The coalition described the call as misguided, distractive, self-serving, selective, untimely, and mischievous.
According to the coalition, the suspects were arrested during operations conducted on September 15 and 16 around Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna. The NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, stated that over 50 people were arrested and were yet to be charged because profiling and documentation were still underway before the deaths occurred. The coalition noted that the state commandant confessed he did not inform his boss about the arrest of the alleged illegal miners, adding that they are presumed innocent until evidence is presented.
The Federal Government has taken steps to address the incident, suspending the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and constituting a 10-member independent committee to investigate the incident. This move was directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The coalition questioned the timing of Dantani's call, stating that it is shocking that he chose to grandstand instead of awaiting the outcome of the investigations.
The coalition also raised concerns about Dantani's selective activism, questioning his silence on other incidents of violence and human rights abuses. They cited examples of military drone attacks and accidental killings in various states, including Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Borno. The group queried Dantani's inaction on these matters, particularly during the #EndSARS protests.
The coalition emphasized the importance of allowing the rule of law to take its full course and awaiting the outcome of the probe committee set up by the Federal Government. They called on Dantani and all Nigerians to exercise restraint and permit the investigations to be completed. The group noted that the petitioner's actions may be seen as attempts to politicize the issue.
The incident has sparked a national debate on the handling of suspected illegal miners and the role of the NSCDC. The coalition's statement highlights the complexities surrounding the issue and the need for a thorough investigation. The group's concerns about selective activism and the timing of the call for Audi's sack add another layer to the discussion.
The National Coordinator of the Coalition, Comrade Bilal Galadima, issued a press statement in Abuja, emphasizing the group's position on the matter. The coalition's stance is clear: they believe that the call for Audi's sack is misguided and that the investigations should be allowed to run their course. The incident remains a topical issue in Nigeria, with various stakeholders weighing in on the matter.
Key points
- The Coalition of Civil Societies For Transparency and Accountability has criticized the call for Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi's sack as misguided and distractive.
- The Federal Government has suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and set up a 10-member independent committee to investigate the incident.
- The coalition has questioned Hamza N. Dantani's selective activism, citing his silence on other incidents of violence and human rights abuses.
