Civic Coalition Petitions National Assembly Over ‘Systemic Negligence’ Fueling Insecurity in Northern Nigeria
By Alphapressmedia Desk
A civic advocacy group, the Nigerian Citizens Investigative Platform (NICIP), has submitted a strongly worded petition to the National Assembly of Nigeria, alleging decades of systemic negligence and political failure in the handling of insecurity across Northern Nigeria.The petition, signed by the founder of NICIP, Ibrahim Garba Wala, was addressed to the leadership of both chambers of the National Assembly, with copies sent to the National Human Rights Commission and the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice.“Predictable Catastrophe”In the document titled “Petition of Systemic Negligence: From Neglected Seeds to the Harvest of Blood,” the group argued that the current insecurity crisis—ranging from insurgency to banditry—was not accidental but the outcome of long-term governance failures and ignored warning signs.The petition referenced the early evolution of extremist violence in Maiduguri, linking it to what it described as administrative inaction and political complacency that allowed threats to grow into major national security challenges.Allegations of Political and Administrative FailureNICIP accused successive administrations of:Prioritizing political interests over citizens’ safetyFailing to act on early intelligence and warning signalsAllowing insecurity to evolve into what it described as a “war economy”The group also criticized what it called a “culture of excuses” following violent attacks, urging a shift from rhetoric to accountability.Key Demands for Investigation and ReformThe petition outlined several major demands to the National Assembly, including:1. Judicial Commission of InquiryA full investigation into alleged administrative and security lapses from 2002–2009 (early insurgency period) and 2014 to present (banditry escalation).2. Audit of Security SpendingA comprehensive review of public funds allocated to security operations and their impact on reducing terrorist and criminal capabilities.3. Victims’ Right to Truth FrameworkCreation of an official public record documenting ignored warnings, policy failures, and response gaps by government authorities.4. Legislative Accountability MeasuresIntroduction of a Duty of Care law to hold public officials personally accountable for negligence in the face of credible security threats.Call for Internal AccountabilityThe group emphasized that while international cooperation can support Nigeria’s security architecture, lasting solutions must come from internal accountability and governance reforms.It maintained that citizens now seek not only protection, but clarity and justice regarding past failures that contributed to ongoing violence.ConclusionThe petition signals growing pressure from civil society for transparency, institutional reform, and accountability in Nigeria’s security management.Observers say the response of the National Assembly and relevant institutions will be closely watched as Nigerians continue to demand more effective and responsible governance in addressing insecurity.
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