Violation of the Right to Equity and Fairness: The Nigerian Constitution, specifically under Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), mandates that the composition of the Government and the distribution of resources must reflect the federal character of Nigeria, and no group, zone, or state should be marginalized in the scheme of national affairs. The South-East already holds the unenviable position of having the smallest landmass among the six geopolitical zones in the country.

While other zones such as the North, with much larger and more expansive land areas, remain underutilized for national projects, this sudden focus on the South-East for a refugee camp reeks of ulterior motives. By attempting to impose such a massive and invasive project on this densely populated region, the Federal Government is violating the principle of equity and fairness enshrined in the Constitution. The Federal Character Principle mandates that national initiatives must consider regional disparities in order to prevent overburdening any one region.

Security Implications and Protection of Life and Property: The right to life and security of property, as enshrined under Section 33 and Section 43 of the Constitution, are fundamental rights that the government is constitutionally bound to protect. The establishment of a refugee camp in the South-East, a region already grappling with significant security challenges, has the potential to aggravate insecurity.

Historically, refugee camps, when not properly managed, can become hubs for criminal activities, creating law enforcement challenges that undermine peace in host communities. Considering the existing insecurities in the South-East—ranging from violent clashes to insurgent activities—it is inconceivable that the government would further exacerbate these issues by creating a refugee camp in the region. We contend that this constitutes a dereliction of the State’s duty to secure the lives and properties of its citizens, as guaranteed by the Constitution.

Disproportionate Allocation of National Projects: It is alarming that the South-East is often overlooked when it comes to the siting of lucrative and developmental government projects. For instance, critical infrastructure like railways, federal highways, government institutions, and industries are rarely allocated to the region. The deliberate exclusion of the South-East from these developmental initiatives, while imposing a potentially detrimental project like a refugee camp, highlights a gross imbalance in the allocation of national projects.

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended) guarantees equal opportunities for all citizens and regions. It is therefore unconstitutional and unfair to continuously bypass the South-East for positive developmental projects while forcing projects that could worsen its socioeconomic and security situation. The government’s selective allocation of projects is tantamount to economic sabotage and constitutes a violation of the principles of social justice, as outlined in Section 17 of the Constitution.

ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS AND CONSIDERATION OF LARGER STATES

The Northern region of Nigeria, which includes states like Kogi, Niger, Katsina, and others, possesses far more expansive landmasses than the South-East. The argument for citing the refugee camp in the South-East is further weakened by the availability of larger, more suitable land areas in other parts of the country that can accommodate such projects without infringing on the rights or safety of local populations.

Furthermore, several states in the North have traditionally hosted refugee camps and internally displaced persons (IDP) centres. These areas are better equipped to handle such influxes, given their larger landmass and existing infrastructure. We argue that the doctrine of proportionality must be applied in this situation: the government should allocate projects based on a fair consideration of available resources and space, as well as the potential impact on the local population.

A CALL FOR JUSTICE AND LEGAL RESISTANCE

We, in the South-East Protection and Restoration Organization (SEPRO), hereby serve notice to the Federal Government and all parties involved in this sinister agenda that any attempt to impose a refugee camp in the South-East will be resisted to the fullest extent of the law. If this project is pursued, it will face maximum legal resistance within the framework of Nigerian and international law.

The government must be reminded that it holds a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of all its citizens, regardless of regional affiliations. The deliberate imposition of a potentially destabilizing project on a region already grappling with insecurity is a breach of this duty and a derogation of constitutional principles. We are fully prepared to challenge this plan in court, and should it provoke unlawful resistance by other means, the government will be held fully accountable for any resulting chaos.

We call upon the well-meaning people of Nigeria, both within and outside the South-East, to stand in solidarity with us in rejecting this malevolent scheme. The South-East deserves meaningful development and infrastructure, not further insecurity under the guise of humanitarian projects.

SIGNED,

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Joe Nwokedi Esq.
Coordinator, SEPRO

Stella John
Secretary, SEPRO