Restore humanity, balance the scale of social Justice- Middle Belt group tells Govt.

By Daniel Agada, Jos

A group under the auspices of peace building and social Justice (PSJ), has charged governments at all level to demonstrate capacity of restoring humanity through balancing the scale of social justice in Nigeria.

The group pointed that the reason why Nigerian state continued grappling with different criminal tendencies is as a result of government politicization of the social justice.

Director general of Peace Building and Social Justice Ishaya Durkwa in partnership with CONAECDA made this known to newsmen in Jos Monday,on the occasion of world Day for social justice.

Durkwa revealed the theme for 2023 World Day for Social Justice is: Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice.

“This year’s theme focuses on the recommendations of the UN. Our Common Agenda is to strengthen global solidarity and to re-build trust in government by “Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice”.

The DG further explained that, ” various governance reports indicate the erosion of trust in Government and public institutions due to the rise in corruption, insecurity and the feeling of injustice and abuses related to both individual and collective rights especially among youths as expressed in the end-SARs movement, and among indigenous groups as expressed in various forms of agitations across the country.

“Therefore, the 2023 World Day of Social Justice provides an opportunity to foster dialogue with the International Community, the Federal and States governments, youth, social partners, civil society, UN organizations and Indigenous Peoples’ groups and other stakeholders on actions needed to strengthen the social contract that has been fractured by rising inequalities, conflicts and weakened institutions that are meant to protect the rights of workers and Nigerians in general.

“While Nigeria as a State is faced with serious problems of youth unemployment and under-employment; the blooming population, the rise in displacement of families and communities; the destruction of lives and livelihoods and the impact of displacement of farmers has not only impacted on the livelihoods of present generations of the aged and young adults but is a sure guarantee of a very grievous future for families and children caught in the web of these violent conflicts.

“Reports from the various communities affected by these violent conflicts indicates that many families have been impoverished as a result of kidnappings and payment of ransom. Many had to sell properties acquired over several generations to rescue loved ones, some have lost heads of their families thereby depriving children of the needed support for their education and psychosocial support.

“Reports also indicate that Millions of Nigerians have been displaced and are currently living in IDP camps or other forms of temporary accommodation where they are denied access to their farmlands, schools and other sources of livelihoods and social development. The number of children that are out of school is increased by these displacements and this is only a guarantee of future troubles.

“We are also aware of the massive takeover of lands left behind by some of these displaced populations by some individuals and by some national and international corporations. Government attitude and seeming complacency as villages are displaced and occupied by strangers creates serious distrust between citizens and Government.

“Despite these multiple crises and challenges, there are many opportunities to build a coalition for social justice and to unleash greater investments in security of lives and properties, decent jobs, with a particular focus on agriculture, green technology, and digital economy among all members of the communities and young people”, the DG hinted.