A Northern based Civil Society Organisation, Astute Civil Society for Cultural and Humanity Development (ACSCHD) has called on President Bola Tinubu, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu to rescue the vulnerable citizens, beggars, and petty traders of Northern extraction who are currently being detained in the federal capital territory, Abuja for unsubstantiated reasons.
They said whoever is behind their ordeal should be made to understand that, like any Nigerians, they have the right to ply their trade in any part of the country.
In an Open letter addressed to Nigerian leaders President Bola Tinubu, Akpabio, Abbas, and Ribadu which was made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Wednesday, the Executive Director of the civil society, Comrade Ibrahim Ali noted that the” Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the rights of every Nigerian citizen to move freely, own property, and associate without discrimination.
“Unfortunately, under the watch of Nyesom Wike, these Nigerians are made to suffer different kinds of intimidation. What is being meted out to them clearly violates our constitutional provisions. Not only that it is a gross abuse of power and also a threat to the security and unity of the nation.
“We, therefore, call on the President, the National Security Adviser, the Senate President, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to act swiftly and decisively.
“The recent clampdown on petty traders, beggars, and vulnerable individuals in the Federal Capital Territory, have not only violated their fundamental rights but have also heightened tensions in a region already beleaguered by national security threats.
“For many Northern Nigerians, Abuja represents a symbol of hope and opportunity, a place where they can peacefully pursue their livelihoods and contribute to national development.
“Many of these citizens, who have fled their states for insecurity, have been subjected to arbitrary arrests, extortion, and inhumane treatment, including the destruction of their property and means of livelihood.
“We are calling on the Northern Senators, who form a significant bloc in the National Assembly, to rise to the occasion and condemn these unconstitutional actions and rescue those who are currently in custody of our security agencies.
“We urge the authorities to take immediate steps to investigate these violations and demand accountability with the view of dousing down tension in the region as a result of their current ordeal.
“The Northern region, which has long faced security challenges, does not deserve additional harassment from a person in power who should be upholding the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, irrespective of their region or background”.
