The “Yes Daddy” audio has recently made waves on the Nigerian social media space, sparking a nationwide conversation on the role of security agents in the country. This audio featured the voice of an alleged kidnap victim pleading for mercy from her captors while repeatedly referring to the abductor as “daddy.” The audio has drawn the attention of various security agencies, including the Committee for the Protection of Peoples’ Rights (CNPP), which has called on these agencies to remain neutral in their investigation of the matter. In this article, we will explore the implications of the “Yes Daddy” audio and its potential impact on Nigeria’s security framework.
The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has advised security forces to refrain from taking sides in politics. In a statement released on Thursday, Chief Willy Ezugwu, the Secretary-General of CNPP, cautioned the Department Of State Services (DSS) and the police to maintain impartiality when dealing with national issues. The group accused these agencies of taking sides with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during post-election events. The CNPP explained how some appointees of the government make statements that suggest the federal government is supporting APC against opposition parties. This, in turn, is resulting in a heated political atmosphere in the country.
The CNPP recalled instances when Lai Mohammed, the spokesperson of APC in 2014, made a series of threats that included forming a parallel government if the 2014 elections were rigged. The CNPP also remembered how Muhammadu Buhari, before he became the President, threatened that dogs and baboons would be soaked in blood if the election was rigged. During the Lagos State election, voters were openly threatened not to vote. Thus far, nobody has been arrested for this crime, the CNPP lamented.
The group stated that instead of taking up the case of individuals who issued threats before the polls and made good on such threats, by attacking voters, the police and the DSS went after a traditional ruler in Lagos State who threatened to invite the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to protect their businesses in the state. The CNPP argued that Lai Mohammed’s comment accusing Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, of inciting people to violence over the outcome of the presidential election, and branding it as treasonable was malicious. The group also highlighted that in 2014, when Lai Mohammed served as the APC spokesman, he claimed that those who incite the citizenry are those who steal their mandate.
The CNPP called on the Federal Government to be cautious about its actions to avoid appearing to take sides against other Nigerians, who hold different political opinions. The group further urged the police and the DSS to perform their functions and duties independently, without being swayed by the influence of any political party.
In conclusion, the CNPP has cautioned security agencies to remain neutral and not take sides in politics. The group argued that security agencies must remain impartial when dealing with national issues. The CNPP reminded the security agencies that they are being paid with taxpayers’ money, and they must maintain impartiality in the discharge of their functions. The group asserted that the Federal Government must take responsibility for creating a politically stable environment and avoid anything that threatens the country’s unity.
