UYO — The Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently establish State Police and National Forest Guards across the country.
It also urged the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, to fully implement the state’s Anti-Open Grazing Law to curb criminal activities associated with cattle herders.
The call was made by the Director of CHRAN, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, during the organisation’s 2026 Democracy Day Annual Public Lecture held in Uyo with the theme, “The Dangers of Vote Selling in a Democracy” on Friday.
Addressing participants at the event, Isong expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in Nigeria, citing recurring cases of school abductions and violent attacks in several parts of the country.
He called on President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on security and spearhead a comprehensive decentralisation of the nation’s security architecture.
According to him, empowering sub-national governments through the establishment of State Police and National Forest Guards would significantly strengthen efforts to combat insecurity and protect lives and property.
The rights group also called for the immediate release of all abducted school children and teachers across the country, stressing that the safety of citizens remains the primary responsibility of government.
While commending Governor Umo Eno for supporting security agencies and sustaining peace in Akwa Ibom State, CHRAN urged residents to collaborate with security operatives in safeguarding the state.
On governance, the organisation applauded the Akwa Ibom State Government for what it described as remarkable achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education and social welfare over the past three years.
It cited projects such as the ARISE Recreational Park, Ibom Model Farm, ongoing road constructions, the Ibom International Multi-Specialist Hospital, the Victor Attah International Airport terminal, model schools and compassionate homes for vulnerable citizens.
However, CHRAN expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the 31 local government councils in the state, accusing them of failing to complement the developmental strides of the state government.
The organisation called on Governor Eno to establish an independent assessment team to evaluate projects executed by local government administrations over the last two years, while also urging the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to strengthen its oversight functions through unscheduled inspection visits to council areas.
On environmental sanitation, CHRAN praised the governor for setting up a task team on pothole identification and road maintenance but urged the government to take similar decisive measures to address worsening waste management challenges in Uyo and its environs.
The group further demanded full enforcement of the Akwa Ibom State Anti-Open Grazing Law, describing it as critical to checking unlawful activities allegedly linked to cattle herders and preserving public safety.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Isong paid tribute to heroes of the June 12 struggle, including the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, whose annulled 1993 presidential election eventually became the symbol of Nigeria’s democratic rebirth.
He noted that while democracy remains preferable to any other form of government, the country’s 1999 Constitution requires fundamental review to effectively address Nigeria’s growing political, economic and security challenges.
The CHRAN Director also urged politicians and political parties to conduct the 2027 election campaigns with maturity, tolerance and respect for democratic values, warning against violence, hate speech and other actions capable of undermining national unity.
He reaffirmed CHRAN’s commitment to promoting accountability, transparency, human rights, rule of law and democratic governance, stressing that the organisation remains non-partisan and dedicated solely to the welfare of Nigerians.
The lecture featured a keynote address by former Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo and Professor of Law, Prof. Enefiok Essien (SAN), who was selected by the organisation from among six eminent scholars nominated nationwide for the role.
