The Alliance for Economic Research and Ethics (AERE) has called for rebuilding Nigeria’s future through ethics and unity.
The call was made by the Chairman of the Alliance, Mr. Dele Kelvin Oye in a press statement issued recently in Lagos.
“Nigeria stands at a crossroads. As a nation blessed with immense potential, we are hindered by a crisis of ethics, fueled by insecurity, corruption, and the misuse of religion to perpetrate violence.
“Banditry, insurgency, and kidnappings have left communities shattered, while distrust in institutions deepens. We cannot build a prosperous future in the midst of fire. It is time for all stakeholders to unite, embrace accountability, and prioritize the common good,” the statement says.
“The truth is clear: Nigeria’s challenges are not as a result of faith, but stem from failure of responsibilities.
“We have allowed greed, division, and impunity to thrive, while our places of worship, meant to be sanctuaries of peace, are overshadowed by the cries of the vulnerable. Enough is enough”.
To address these multifaceted challenges, AERE urges collective action from all sectors. To the Government (national and subnational), AERE urges enforcement of laws without fear or favour; prosecute perpetrators of violence, corruption, and hate speech; strengthen security infrastructure, equip and support troops, ensure timely payment of salaries, and create state police/enhance community policing; Invest in education and jobs, prioritize youth empowerment to reduce radicalization and poverty-driven violence; promote transparency, publish budgets, ensure accountability in aid distribution, and very importantly, tackle corruption in religious institutions.
To the religious leaders, the organisation urges preaching of peace, and not division; condemn violence in all forms and promote interfaith dialogue; reject extremist narratives; collaborate with authorities to de-radicalize members and support rehabilitation programs; lead by example, uphold humility, integrity, and service to the vulnerable.
To all Nigerians, AERE says citizens should demand accountability, hold leaders responsible for their actions, vote for integrity, not ethnicity or religion; reject corruption, refuse bribes, report misconduct, and support anti-corruption efforts; promote unity, bridge ethnic and religious divides in communities, schools, and workplaces.
AERE says politicians should put nation above themselves; end political violence, stop arming militias, and prioritize national interest; support security reforms by allocating resources to address root causes of insecurity (injustice, poverty, unemployment, marginalization).
AERE further urges troops and security forces to protect with integrity: uphold human rights, avoid extrajudicial actions, and collaborate with local communities; stay vigilant, remain neutral, professional, and committed to safeguarding all Nigerians.
“We, at the Alliance for Economic Research and Ethics, believe that ethics must guide our path forward. Faith without works is empty; governance without accountability is tyranny; security without justice is oppression.
“It’s time to rebuild. Let us choose unity, transparency, and compassion. Together, we can turn the tide.
AERE recommends to the Federal Government to establish a National Ethics Commission to oversee governance and religious accountability; launch a nationwide interfaith peace initiative to counter extremist ideologies; increase funding for education, healthcare, and job creation in vulnerable regions; ensure swift justice for crimes linked to terrorism and corruption; and encourage community-led peacebuilding and reporting mechanisms.
“Nigeria is not beyond repair. We must act now before the fire consumes us. Let’s build a nation where safety, dignity, and opportunity prevail,” the statement concludes.
