The Federal Social Democrats Movement (FSD) has condemned the federal government’s use of a double standard in dealing with separatists agitation in both the South-east and South-west regions while noting that terrorists in the North-west and North-central regions are treated with kid gloves.
According to a statement by Federal Social Democrats Movement Interim Publicity Secretary, Mr. Gbayode Somuyiwa, the refusal to declare the so-called bandits as terrorists is unconscionable, even though the international terror watch has named them the fourth deadliest terrorist group in the world.
The group also stated that if IPOB is declared a terrorist organization, bandits who can blow up a rail track and attack military formations, among other heinous crimes, should be declared terrorists right away.
The FSD stated that it deemed it necessary to speak out about the uncertainties surrounding the upcoming governorship election in Anambra State.
The group explained that as the election date of November 6, 2021 approaches, there is palpable concern about whether the environment is conducive enough for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hold an election.
“The election is one of three that are expected to take place before the 2023 general elections.” The other two pending elections are those in Ekiti and Osun States, both of which are scheduled for 2022.
The Anambra election provides an opportunity for INEC to implement a few reforms aimed at improving its previous results.
One of INEC’s innovations was the electronic transmission of election results, which sparked heated debate in the political arena, particularly after the Senate attempted to tamper with a provision of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
“We applaud the tenacity of Civil Society Organizations in ensuring that the Senate reversed itself,” FSD said.
“Despite the current challenges, we demand that INEC hold a free, fair, and credible election in Anambra State.” The current state of fear, violence, and criminality in Anambra State is of great concern to us at FSD.
How can a credible election be held in a climate of assassination, arson, disorder, and grave insecurity of lives and property?
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have threatened a total lockdown of the Southeast zone from November 5 to 10, unless their leader, who is being prosecuted in a federal high court, is “unconditionally released.”
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The FSD recognizes any group’s inalienable right to self-determination. We also support the achievement of this goal through democratic and peaceful means.
“The government’s inability to listen to any voice of dissent and its 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 under attack on a daily basis, and we are witnessing a rapid erosion of democratic norms in our country.
” Illiberal tendencies, aversion to intellectual debates, and autocratic attitudes are on the rise, particularly among the executive branches of government at all levels.
The subjugation of people’s right to free expression and expression of their fundamental human rights, including the right to hold opposing views and the right to protest, is now abhorrent to our leaders,” the 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, among other things, by restoring trust in public service.
