The Initiative for Social Rights Concerns and Advancement, ISRCAAKA, also known as the “No Justice, No Peace” group has called for a town hall meeting between the Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Civil Society Organisations, CSOs and Non-Governmental Organisations, NGOs.
The group warned that the town hall meeting should be arranged on or before the proposed date of the nationwide protest, saying the meeting will not only help to cushion the effects of the protest but also bridge the gaps between civil society organizations, the state government and the people.
ISRCA National Coordinator, Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen made the call in an open letter to the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Civil Society Organisations, CSO and Non-Governmental Organisation, NGO Victor Ojei.
The open letter read, “An Urgent Call to Save Time, Requesting For a Town-Hall Meeting With the Executive Governor of Delta State; RT. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori
“It becomes pertinent that I publicly call your attention to issues regarding the Civil Society Organisations, CSO And Non-Governmental Organisations, NGO which are supposed to be under your control.”
“As bodies, saddled first, with the protection of human rights, with the responsibility of being the voice to the vulnerable people in society; it saddens me to see how disorganized we’ve been which of course, underscores our performances and proactiveness.
“We are supposed to be channels through which the government can be responsive to the plights of the people but sadly, this is not the reality. Instead, we’ve brought personal profits and issues, at the expense of the people we are to represent.
“So much hate, bitterness, envy and jealousy are thriving among us, as it has been more of competing than collaborations. This is saddening.
“Sir, the disagreements among comrades in the human rights community, on whether to engage in an unorganized protest #Endbadgovernance or not, has exposed a lot about our differences and why we haven’t achieved any meaningful success as registered bodies with good brains.
“Meanwhile, you cannot also deny the fact that there is hunger and the people are faced with untold hardship, as poor families can no longer afford their basic needs.
“Sir, to all extents, if we’ve had a working state that is organized and productive, no well-meaning Deltans would consider engaging in a protest in a time such as this, that it could either lead to serious riots or civil unrest.
“Delta State is not just rich in mineral resources but also in human resources but the absence of these industries and other establishments have stood as an impediment to the people of Delta State, as we do not even have any welfare benefits.
“Sir, in a moment when Nigerians are agonised over repressive, depressing and distressing socio-economic situations; a sane government is expected to negotiate, heart to heart with the people, devising several means to alleviate their sufferings.
“It will be so unwise for us to project and engage a protest with a government we cannot interface with, which in the end, would thwart our efforts and achievements of an intended goal.
“On the other hand, it would be wise if you could create a moment for civil society organizations, the non-governmental organizations as well as stakeholders in the State, to engage the Delta State Government in a town hall meeting, where we can bring issues directly confronting the people and also get immediate feedback responses.
“Distinguished comrade sir, I understand the physical and psychological strains which accompany your office and the persecution that follows too but you cannot exempt yourself from this great call, as it concerns humanity, which is of utmost importance.”
August 1: Delta CSO demands meeting with Gov Oborevwori’s over planned protest