ABUJA – The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has condemned the recent comments by former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, alleging that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) coordinates ransom payments and inducements to bandits and insurgents in the guise of a non-kinetic approach to the fight against terrorism.
NCSCN’s Executive Director, Amb. Blessing Akinlosotu, who briefed newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja, challenged El-Rufai to provide evidence to back his allegations within 72 hours or tender an unreserved apology to ONSA and the national security architecture.
According to him, if El-Rufai fails to substantiate his claims, the council will blacklist him.
“In as much as NCSCN totally aligns with the global posture of non-negotiation with terrorists and bandits, we remain resolute in our advocacy for the adoption of non-kinetic measures in securing the lives of Nigerians in captivity,” he said.
Akinlosotu described El-Rufai’s allegations as “unfortunate and unexpected” from a leader of his calibre, adding that his utterances were “unguarded, highly volatile, and vindictive, sounding more like that of a political detractor bent on mischief and blackmail.”
He said Nigerians must put the safety of fellow citizens above personal or political interests and acknowledge the efforts being made to strengthen national security.
“El-Rufai should, in the next 72 hours, and as a matter of urgency, responsibility and responsiveness, come out boldly with evidence to prove his allegation against the NSA and the security architecture, or render an unreserved apology. In the case of failure to substantiate his allegations, he will be blacklisted by NCSCN,” he said.
The council further urged ONSA to strengthen collaboration with organised civil society groups towards timely dissemination of information on its activities.
It also called for the immediate creation of a Non-Kinetic Civil Space Engagement Unit within ONSA, to be manned by a seasoned civil society activist, with desk officers in all security formations.
“Any nation claiming absolute non-negotiation posture or total military force in dealing with terrorism, without any form of dialogue or negotiation, is either living in denial or being hypocritical. Nigeria must institutionalize and strategically combine the use of kinetic and non-kinetic methodologies in fighting insecurity,” Akinlosotu added.
