Table of Contents
- NCSCN's Request to the Federal Government
- Impact of Lack of Ambassadors
- Misconceptions About Targeted Attacks
- Call for an Independent Database
- Emergency Meeting Insights
- Recommendations from the CSO
- Importance of Foreign Relations
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has urged the federal government to promptly initiate proper documentation and harmonization of data regarding terrorist and bandit attacks. This action aims to facilitate accurate information dissemination and reduce speculation of Christian genocide within the international community.
The Council also attributed the lack of Ambassadors in key countries to the mismanagement of the nation’s diplomatic relations, warning that operating for over two years without Ambassadors in various nations is both unreasonable and severely harmful to any government.
Furthermore, the CSO emphasized that the perception in the international community that terrorist and bandit activities solely target Christians and their communities is incorrect and misleading. Available records indicate that Muslims and Islamic communities are also impacted by these acts.
The CSO called on the federal government to establish an Independent Database for incidents and statistics related to terrorist and bandit attacks, specifically categorizing victims and affected families by gender, age, and religion through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Following its emergency meeting, the NCSCN, in a statement issued by its Communiqué Drafting Committee, led by Mazi Oscar David Kalu, noted that the Council felt compelled to convene in response to the escalating international concern regarding Christian genocide and the criticism directed at the Tinubu government for the delay in appointing Ambassadors worldwide.
Among its recommendations, the CSO urged, “The Federal Government should urgently hold an Inter-Religious Dialogue on the pressing issue of Christian Genocide, utilizing the Organized Civil Society to clarify the situation and alleviate growing tensions across the federation.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should prioritize the appointment of ambassadors and international lobbyists to protect Nigeria’s interests and foster the country’s growth and development. A list of Ambassador nominees should be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation by November 2025 at the latest.”
“A national framework and mechanism for strategic lobbying should be developed by the Federal Government, engaging skilled professionals, experienced diplomats, and international lobbyists.”
Recognizing that a country’s foreign relations and policies are vital to its national development, the NCSCN cautioned the federal government against taking the current allegations of Christian Genocide lightly.
“Assertions from the International Community, particularly from the United States, must be addressed with professionalism, employing the highest levels of diplomacy and care, by confronting the issue with verifiable facts and figures,” it advised.
The Communique was signed by Mazi Oscar David Kalu, Chairman of the drafting committee; Gambo Suliema Haruna, representing Media Organizations; Mutaka Ibrahim Ghali, for Muslim Organizations; and Peter Ihekiedime, representative of Christian Organizations.
Other committee members included Hajiya Hadiza Garba, Jessica Paul, and Lawal Tosin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NCSCN's main request to the federal government?
The NCSCN has requested the federal government to begin proper documentation and harmonization of data regarding terrorist and bandit attacks to facilitate accurate information dissemination.
Why is the lack of ambassadors considered detrimental?
The absence of ambassadors in key countries for over two years is seen as unthinkable and harmful to the government's ability to manage diplomatic relations effectively.
What misconception does the CSO address?
The CSO addresses the misconception that terrorist and bandit attacks are only aimed at Christians, asserting that Muslims and Islamic communities are also affected.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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