Abuja – Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has called for increased synergy between civil society and the military to check clashes between both groups.
National Coordinator of the association, Mr Emmanuel Onwubiko, made the call on Monday in Abuja during a news conference.
Onwubiko said that there was need for partnership between the military and civilians to ensure peaceful co-existence among members of various strata in the country.
According to him, we need the Nigerian military as much as the military needs us in the civil society.
He described the recent clash between the military and Shiite Islamic group as regrettable, and called for caution to forestall reoccurrence.
Onwubiko stated that such clash was inimical to the promotion of human rights of the citizenry and democracy.
He said that there was need for all stakeholders to protect and nurture democracy in the country for lasting development.
“We need each other, especially at these trying times that Nigeria faces threats of terrorism.
‘’There is the need to further consolidate on the existing civil-cum-military partnership for the love of our fatherland’’.
He commended the current move by the leadership of the Nigerian Army to clear the dust raised by the clash it had with the Islamic sect, saying that the measure would go a long way in promoting healthy relation in the society.
The NGO boss said that the imperative of respecting human rights of all citizens, particularly in times of internal military operations, could not be overemphasised.
He expressed the commitment of the right group to assist stakeholders to find lasting solution to clashes between security agencies and civil and religious groups in the country.
“We are happy that the military has subjected itself to the monitoring authority in the area of human rights,’’ he said.
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Onwubiko said that the military and the civil populace would be the major beneficiaries if rights of Nigerians were protected. (NAN)
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