Group Condemns FG’s Handling of Separatists’ Agitations

Akowe Peter

The Federal Social Democrats Movement (FSD) has condemned the double standard employed by the federal government in dealing with separatists’ agitations in both the South-east and South-west regions, while noting that terrorists in the North-west and North-central regions are treated with kids gloves.

A statement made available to THISDAY by the FSD, Interim Publicity Secretary, Mr. Gbayode Somuyiwa, said the refusal to declare the so-called bandits as terrorists is unconscionable, even after the international terror watch has declared them as the 4th deadliest terrorist group globally.

The group also noted that if IPOB can be declared terrorist organisation, bandits who can blow up a rail track and attack military formations apart from other heinous crimes committed by them, should be declared terrorists immediately.

The FSD said it considered it expedient to lend its voice on the uncertainties surrounding the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State.

The group explained that as we approach November 6, 2021, the scheduled date for the election, there is palpable anxiety whether the atmosphere is conducive enough for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct an election.

“The election is one of three that are expected to hold before the general elections of 2023. The other two pending elections are those of Ekiti State and Osun State slated for 2022. The Anambra election provides an opportunity for INEC to introduce a few reforms aimed at improving on its past performances. One of the innovations introduced by INEC is the electronic transmission of election results which generated heated debate in the polity especially after the Senate attempted to tamper with a provision of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill. We salute the resilience of Civil Society Organisations for ensuring the senate reversed itself,” FSD said.

“We demand that INEC must organise a free, fair, and credible election in Anambra State notwithstanding the present challenges. Of major concern to us at FSD, is the current state of fear, violence and criminality going on in Anambra State. How will a credible election take place in a situation where killings, arson, disorder and grave insecurity of lives and property is pervading? The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a threat of a total lockdown of the Southeast zone from November 5 to 10, unless their leader who is being prosecuted at a federal high court is “unconditionally released.

“We in the FSD recognise the inalienable right of any group to self-determination. We also support the actualisation of this aspiration through democratic and peaceful means. The inability of government to listen to any voice of dissent and the use of force to silence opposing viewpoints has exacerbated discontent among various groups in the federation,” the group added.

“The rule of law which is the foundation of any democracy is daily assaulted and we are witnessing an accelerated erosion of democratic norms in our country. There is an increase in illiberal tendencies, aversion to intellectual debates and autocratic attitude, particularly from the executive arms of government at every level. The subjugation of people’s right to free speech and expression of their fundamental human right, including right to hold contrary view and right to protest is now abhorrent to our leaders,” FSD declared.

FSD is a nascent political movement, whose mission is to galvanize the people to build a value-driven society inspired and sustained by selfless leaders, restoring trust in public service among others.