CHRAN demands state police, forest guards
The Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to establish state police and a national forest guard system as part of urgent measures to address Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.
The organisation also urged Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to fully implement the state’s Anti-Open Grazing Law to curb criminal activities linked to uncontrolled cattle grazing.
*Isong
Etim Ekpimah
The Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to establish state police and a national forest guard system as part of urgent measures to address Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.
The organisation also urged Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to fully implement the state’s Anti-Open Grazing Law to curb criminal activities linked to uncontrolled cattle grazing.
Speaking at CHRAN’s 2026 Democracy Day Annual Public Lecture in Uyo on Friday, the organisation’s Director, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, expressed concern over the continued wave of insecurity across the country, particularly the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers.
He called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of all abducted persons and reform the nation’s security architecture.
“School abductions remain a serious security concern in Nigeria. The Federal Government must take urgent steps to secure the immediate release of all abducted schoolchildren and teachers across the federation,” Isong said.
He urged President Tinubu to work with state governors and the National Assembly to decentralise policing by establishing state police and a national forest guard system capable of addressing security threats at the grassroots level.
The CHRAN Director made the remarks during the organisation’s annual lecture commemorating the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest election and won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola.
He noted that June 12 remains a symbol of the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists who fought for the restoration of democratic governance in Nigeria.
Isong commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for recognising June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day and for posthumously conferring the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) honour on Abiola.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, he described democracy as the best form of government despite its challenges, but argued that the 1999 Constitution requires substantial review to address the country’s complex political and socio-economic realities.
“The Constitution has been in operation for 27 years and has not adequately addressed many of Nigeria’s challenges. There is an urgent need for comprehensive constitutional reforms,” he stated.
In Akwa Ibom State, CHRAN commended Governor Umo Eno for supporting security agencies and implementing developmental projects across the state.
The organisation specifically praised the administration’s investments in road infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, tourism, housing and social welfare programmes.
Among the projects highlighted were the ARISE Recreational Park and Golf Course, the Ibom Model Farm in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, the ongoing Ring Road III project, the Oron Jetty project, model primary schools, compassionate homes for vulnerable citizens, the Ibom International Multi-Specialist Hospital and the new terminal building at Victor Attah International Airport.
However, CHRAN expressed concern that many local government councils were not matching the pace of development set by the state government.
The organisation urged the chairmen of the 31 local government councils to embark on more people-oriented projects and improve service delivery at the grassroots.
It also called on the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to strengthen its oversight functions by conducting regular and unscheduled inspections of local government projects across the state.
On environmental and public health concerns, CHRAN urged Governor Eno to complement ongoing road rehabilitation efforts by addressing the growing waste management challenges in Uyo and its surrounding communities.
The organisation further called for the full implementation of the Akwa Ibom State Anti-Open Grazing Law to check unlawful activities associated with open grazing and improve public safety.
As part of its recommendations, CHRAN urged the governor to establish an independent assessment team to evaluate and document projects executed by local government councils over the past two years.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the organisation advised political actors to conduct their campaigns peacefully and responsibly.
“Elections should not be treated as a battlefield. They are an opportunity for citizens to choose leaders who will provide good governance and improve their wellbeing,” Isong said.
He reaffirmed CHRAN’s commitment to promoting accountability, transparency, the rule of law, human rights and democratic governance, stressing that the organisation remains non-partisan and focused solely on advancing the interests of Nigerians.
The lecture, themed “The Dangers of Vote Selling in a Democracy”, featured Professor Enefiok Essien (SAN), former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, as the keynote speaker. CHRAN also congratulated President Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno, members of the National Assembly and the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on the occasion of the 2026 Democracy Day celebration and their third year in office.
