As Christians in Nigeria and around the world observe Easter, a season of sacrifice, hope, and renewal, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has issued a passionate call for urgent national action, denouncing the deepening insecurity and perceived apathy from the country’s leadership.
In a strongly worded Easter statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC lamented the worsening state of insecurity across Nigeria, citing recent attacks in Benue and Plateau States which claimed scores of innocent lives, and recurring violence in Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, and Kwara.
“These are not isolated incidents,” the statement read. “They reflect a systemic failure in governance and the inability of the state to fulfil its most basic responsibility—protecting lives.”
CISLAC expressed concern that the Easter period, typically a time for deep reflection and national togetherness, has become a grim reminder of lives lost and communities devastated. The organisation criticised the Tinubu administration for what it described as a disturbing lack of empathy and visible leadership amid the ongoing national crisis.
“At a time when the nation is crying out for healing and direction, the president’s silence and absence are morally troubling,” Rafsanjani stated. “Leadership must be present, especially in times of crisis. Governance cannot be handled from a distance.”
The group decried the continued escalation of violence despite the huge financial resources allocated to security, raising doubts about the government’s strategic commitment to ending insecurity. It also criticized the growing distraction of political actors already shifting focus to the 2027 general elections, describing it as “reckless and deeply irresponsible.”
CISLAC warned against politicizing killings and urged government at all levels to rise above ethnic, religious, or political affiliations in the fight against criminality. “A killer is a killer and must be treated as such,” the group stated. “The practice of assigning political value to human life only deepens our national divide.”
The statement also condemned the alleged misuse of security forces for political interests, especially in opposition-controlled states, where it noted rising political tensions and threats of unconstitutional actions.
As the country marks Easter, CISLAC called for a renewed commitment to empathy, accountability, and national unity. “The blood of innocent citizens must no longer be the price we pay for government failure. Enough is enough. Nigeria deserves better,” Rafsanjani declared.
The organisation reaffirmed its dedication to promoting justice, transparency, and good governance, vowing to continue amplifying the voices of the vulnerable and holding power to account.
“National renewal begins with truth, courage, and action. CISLAC will not relent,” the statement concluded.