Niger coup: Arewa CSOs accuse leaders of disrespect to rule of law, citizens’ rights

Arewa Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, have condemned in strong terms the recent coup in Niger Republic.

They lamented that the coup has a direct link with the state of backwardness and underdevelopment the West African region is faced with.

A statement issued by the chairman of the groups, Adamu Aminu Musa condemned the coup in all ramifications and advocated for the respect of the constitution, rule of law and citizens’ fundamental human rights as solution to preventing future coups.

The statement said, “We believe a violation of citizens’ rights, disrespect for the rule of law and and not abiding by the constitution are responsible for bad governance and worsening insecurity which leads to rise in frequent coups.”

The statement added that one cannot disrespect court orders and want others to respect the constitution, adding that disrespecting the constitution was dangerous for democracy.

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The statement explained that in Nigeria there are several cases of disrespecting orders, lamenting that certain individuals who feel they are bigger than the law have continuously acted contrary to court’s rulings.

The groups advised ECOWAS leaders to first look inwards and address immediately the undemocratic principles before rising to condemn what is happening in other countries.

It called on the international community to note the very many disrespect to the rule of law by the leaders and how they constantly manipulate the constitution to fit their personal gains.