A coalition of civil society groups known as ‘Say No Campaign’ has called for an independent enquiry into the $9.3 million seized by South African authorities that the Nigerian government said was meat for arms deal.
The group, which gathered in Abuja on Friday in commemoration of the Nigeria’s independence, accused the government of encouraging corruption and impunity, which they said had prolonged the fight against terrorism and other vices.
They also claimed that some politicians were benefiting from the nation’s insecurity, attributing its escalating nature in the north-east to such benefits.
For the group of activists, Nigeria should have laid a solid foundation for collective security and well-being of its citizens 54 years after independence.
The group condemned the way the government was handling the issue of the arms deal money, emphasising that insecurity and corruption in Nigeria was aided and prolonged by politicians who condone impunity.
The group also criticised the police for unlawful detention of journalists and the administrators of the National Youth Service Corps scheme for requesting that corps members should pay 4,000 Naira for their online call up letters.
It is not the first time that activists have accused the Nigerian government of corruption and lack of political will to win the fight against insurgency.
For the group, Nigerians must hold their leaders accountable and reject impunity.