Accord Party bemoans rising insecurity, accuses government of abdicating responsibility

Accord Party has asked the federal government to make the protection of citizens’ lives a top priority.

In his Easter message to Nigerians, Maxwell Mgbudem, the party’s national chairman, said the season symbolises the suffering, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ — an occasion the nation must soberly reflect upon.

“The Lord Jesus Christ’s triumph over death that ushers a glorious future for believers is a testament that the multifarious challenges facing our dear nation will be surmounted if we remain in one accord and committed to redirecting the ship of the nation to the path of rectitude, development and advancement,” he said.

“It calls for patriotism, sacrifice, tolerance, love and effective leadership.”

On security, he said Nigerians have a right to live, and the government must protect them as guaranteed by the constitution.

“It is time to hold governments at all levels accountable and ensure they provide fruits of democracy to citizens as clearly provided for in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” the statement reads. 

“This is the essence of democratic governance. There is no substitute for progressive leadership that meets the needs of the people in whom sovereignty resides.

“Accord is saddened by the spate of insecurity in the country and urges the Federal Government to be decisive and firm in crushing terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, ritual killings and killer-herdsmen.”

He said insecurity has persisted due to the lack of political will on the part of the government to end the menace.

“The consequence is the emergence of new terror groups,” he said.

“Our hearts bleed over the daily killing of innocent citizens in their fatherland.

“Governments are elected to provide security, maintain public order and safeguard the interests of the people. It is unjust and immoral to abdicate these crucial constitutional responsibilities.

“We can’t standby and watch fellow compatriots being slaughtered daily while elected public officers engage in partisan politics and pay lip service to the sufferings of the people.”

The Accord chairman said security agencies should be well equipped and motivated to discharge their constitutional mandates.

“This is the least the masses expect from responsible governments,” he said.

Mgbudem added that the party will continue to “champion good governance that will foster sustainable democracy and development”.