Sequel to the recent coordinated attacks and killings in Anambra State, Southeast geopolitical zone, and indeed the entire country, Anambra Civil society Network (ACSONET), a citizens’ and Non State Actors platform, has flagged observed palpable concerns; and proffered solution for ameliorating the situation.
In a press release by the Chairman of the group, Prince Chris Azor, who doubles as Citizens Co-chair, Open Government Partnership (OGP),
the civic group identified among other things, non inclusion of civil society, media/other relevant stakeholders in the State security architecture, lack of strategic and coordinated engagement of citizens, poor conflict management mechanisms, weak intelligence gathering measures, inadequate enlightenment and sensitization strategies, proliferation of arms, drug/alcoholic use and abuse, unemployment, cultism, cybercrime and sundry poverty induced criminal activities etc.
The group enjoined the State actors to swiftly embark on conscious engagement of citizens, and good governance practices to arrest the ugly situation.
“Such quick interventions as inclusion and participation of civil society and other non state actors in the State security architecture, permanent Dialogue Mechanism to regularly engage citizens, establishment of a dashboard for surveillance/information sharing/feed back, Strategic conflict management mechanisms, Advocacy, reorientation, sensitization and consultation of relevant stakeholders are sine qua non and imperative” they said.
The group further advised the State actors to also, tackle the menace of drug use and abuse, check prevalent cultism and all forms of criminal activities currently witnessed in the State.
“The primary purpose of government is welfare and security, the State should apply the tenets of good governance, through employment and empowerment of citizens, especially the youth, establish integrity standards and measures, institutionalize Social Protection, through poverty alleviation programmes, in order to restore citizens confidence on their government” they advised.