*Recommends short and long terms solution
By Citizenship Daily
The Guard Time Information, a National Human Rights Activists has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the deteriorating security situation in Rivers State, following a state of emergency imposed on the state.
An open letter to the President, signed by Comdr Bibi Oduku
Chairman, GTI National Human Rights Activists Nigeria, FCT Abuja said
the security situation in Rivers has significant humanitarian, economic, and social implications that require immediate attention.
A situation analysis and consequences of the Rivers crisis by GTI suggests that
the state of emergency has resulted in the displacement of people, destruction of property and infrastructure, disruption of economic activities and a breakdown of law and order.
This, they said, has given rise to economic consequences, including disruption of businesses, decline in tourism, and increased military expenditure.
The social Consequences, the GTI said, include restrictions on movement, curfews, and increased tensions on the state.
The group also listed the human rights consequences to include restrictions on civil liberties, arbitrary arrests and detentions, and use of excessive force.
On the political front, the consequences, they said, are concentration of power, suspension of democratic processes, and erosion of trust.
Accordingly, the rights group recommends the deployment of security forces to restore law and order, protect lives and property, and prevent further violence.
It called for humanitarian assistance by providing food, shelter, and medical care to affected communities.
The rights group also called for economic support for affected businesses and individuals to recover from the crisis.
It recommends dialogue and reconciliation to address the underlying causes of the conflict and promote peaceful coexistence, and called for investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the violence and human rights abuses.
To prevent future occurrences, the GTI said adequate attention be paid to underlying causes like poverty, inequality, and social injustice.
It recommends strengthening of institutions like the security forces, judiciary, and local government to be more effective and accountable.
It also recommends the promotion of community engagement, encouraging community participation in decision-making processes, and investing in economic development to reduce poverty and inequality through economic development initiatives.
“We urge the government to take a comprehensive approach that addresses the immediate needs of affected communities while working towards long-term solutions to prevent future occurrences,” the GTI said.
