CLASFON Demands Electoral Integrity, Backs Local Forest Guards to Tackle Insecurity
Our Correspondent
The Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria, CLASFON, has advocated for free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria, while backing the establishment of state-based forest guard systems to curb kidnapping and violent crimes.
The umbrella body of Christian Lawyers made its position known in a communiqué issued at the end of its 2nd Quarter President-in-Council meeting held in Eket, Akwa Ibom and signed by CLASFON President, Femi David Ikotun Esq., and National Secretary, Enobong Akpan Esq.
The meeting, attended by national, regional and branch leaders of the Fellowship, focused on prayer, governance, security and citizens’ welfare.
On the 2026 Democracy Day, the fellowship noted that progress had been made but stressed that “democratic consolidation requires continuous strengthening of institutions, deepening of electoral integrity and active citizen participation.”
While commending the Federal Government and security agencies for operations that led to the release of over 370 abductees, including women and children, across several states, the group said the successes reinforce its resolve to keep praying for the total eradication of kidnapping and the safe return of all remaining victims, particularly students and teachers abducted from Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
On electoral integrity and citizen participation, CLASFON urged the Federal Government, INEC, political parties and security agencies to ensure transparent, peaceful elections.
“The integrity of the electoral process is fundamental to democratic consolidation, national stability and public confidence,” the communiqué stated.
The Fellowship also encouraged eligible Nigerians to register and obtain Permanent Voter’s Cards, describing voting as both a constitutional right and a civic duty needed to promote accountable leadership.
CLASFON condemned the persistent kidnapping, child abduction, banditry and violent crimes, stating that they “threaten lives, undermine economic activities and create fear.”
It urged government and security agencies to intensify protection of lives and property and ensure swift prosecution of offenders.
On forest security, CLASFON assured its support for state governments setting up forest guard systems and recommended that guards be recruited from their states and local communities, and be adequately trained, equipped and supervised.
CLASFON further proposed that where the Federal Government operates national forest guard structures within any state, leadership and operational command should “as far as practicable, be entrusted to qualified citizens of the State.”
CLASFON argued that this would leverage local knowledge of terrain, language and culture to improve accountability, trust and intelligence gathering.
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