Ahead of the forthcoming 2015 general elections in Nigeria, public and private sector organisations as well as civil society have been urged to synergise efforts with all relevant stakeholders in emergency response in Nigeria with a view to reducing risks arising from pre and post-election issues.
Making the call in Calabar, South-South Nigeria at the ongoing workshop on Needs Assessment Training and Simulation organized by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), Atayi Babs of the Climate and Sustainable Development Network of Nigeria (CSDevNet) stated that the imperatives of a multi-sectoral and inter-agency emergency preparedness in the build-up to the general elections can never be over-emphasised in view of the country’s recent history and present security challenges.
“The heightened calls for election postponement and hate speeches by political actors have created palpable tension across Nigeria and it behoves on all well-meaning and development conscious groups in the country to begin to explore ways of mitigating election-related risks by strengthening the capacity of emergency response organisations through effective collaboration and technical support,” Atayi declared.
According to Atayi Babs, Climate and Sustainable Development Network is irrevocably committed to working with all stakeholders in identifying and supporting humanitarian actors, deliver relief and identify opportunities to strengthen the capacity of state governments and local partners in reporting, assessing, monitoring, and coordinating emergency response activities in Nigeria.
“Disaster risk reduction involves every part of society, every part of government, and every part of the professional and private sector and we must all join hands in lessening the vulnerability of our people and improve our preparedness and early warning systems,” says Atayi.
Climate and Sustainable Development Network of Nigeria is the leading network of Nigerian civil society organisations with focal emphasis on facilitating climate-resilient Nigeria where sustainable development thrives. The network believes that disaster risk reduction is an integral part of sustainable development as development activities must also reduce disaster risk for it to be considered sustainable.