A Nigerian rights group, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, also known as Intersociety, has urged the government to take concrete steps to address the controversy surrounding alleged genocidal killings of Christians in the country. The organization has listed 21 measures that it believes are necessary to restore secularism and freedom of worship in Nigeria, free from what it terms “religicide.”
These recommendations come amid allegations of genocide targeted against Christians in Nigeria, which the government has previously dismissed as unfounded. However, Intersociety claims that its stance has been vindicated by findings from Mike Arnold of the City of Blanco, Texas, USA. The group’s statement, signed by several of its key officials, including Emeka Umeagbalasi and Obianuju Joy Igboeli, advises the government to stop defending the indefensible and acknowledges that time is no longer on their side.
Among the 21 measures outlined by Intersociety are ensuring the supremacy of the country’s 1999 Constitution, ending “State Jihadism” and allowing the country to be governed on secularism, and abolishing all forms of structural, physical, and cultural violence. The group also calls for the convening of an electoral constituent National Conference to discuss and agree on how best to live in peace and harmony, as well as an end to crude and brutish soldiering and policing, especially in Eastern Nigeria.
Additionally, Intersociety demands that the government account for an estimated 5,000 Easterners, particularly Igbo-Southeasterners, who it claims were secretly detained and transported to secret military dungeons in Northern Nigeria. The group also advocates for the de-radicalization and re-orientation of the Nigerian security forces, an end to the “lawless” status accorded to members of the Fulani population, and the disarming of jihadist elements.
Other key recommendations include restoring and protecting Nigeria’s indigenous farming communities, accounting for over 850 Christian hostages held in the Rijana Forest in Kaduna State, and abolishing the Muslim-Muslim Presidency in Nigeria. Intersociety also calls for a credible national census, the repatriation of illegal aliens, and the proscription of groups that fail to disarm jihadist elements within their ranks.
The implementation of these measures is seen as crucial in addressing the ongoing controversy and restoring peace and harmony in Nigeria. As the government considers its next steps, it remains to be seen whether these recommendations will be taken on board and what impact they will have on the country’s future.