We are now in a scenario where peace agreement discussions are taking place between various levels of government and non-state groups. Do yo...
We are now in a scenario where peace agreement discussions are taking place between various levels of government and non-state groups. Do you believe this is the right approach?
Well, if you're looking to begin negotiations or enter into a bargaining process with the bandits, the first step you must take is to ensure that the victims are compensated, acknowledged, and calmed.
These are individuals who have lost their family members, as well as their possessions and commercial establishments. You have not provided any assistance to them, yet you are engaging in negotiations with the criminals. This is an incorrect approach. The perception is that you are creating a time bomb. When it detonates, I am certain it will cause greater harm and damage to the people.
For instance, imagine you are in a situation where you have a child around 10 years old. This child has witnessed someone destroying their home, the murder of their father, or the violation of their sister. Now, you are entering into a discussion with this innocent child, letting them grow up carrying that trauma.
In the end, when he is in a position of power, he will ensure retaliation. Therefore, it is advisable for the government to compensate the victims. Once this is accomplished, it becomes the government's decision whether to forgive the criminals or not. It is within their authority to do so. They may choose not to bring them to court, which is their right, or even after a conviction, the government can release and pardon them.
It is something the government must handle. However, one step needs to be taken first, which is to address those victims who have been.
Although for nearly 11 years prior, some of them have even abandoned their villages, they are now in IDP camps and similar situations.
Some people think there aren't enough personnel to manage the current circumstances, and the crisis has been ongoing for more than ten years. What's your opinion?
It's not about the number of people. It's regarding the type of weapons these individuals possess, and our military personnel have access to more of these weapons, yet they are not permitted to utilize them.
That's the distinction. However, when discussing personnel, we have the integration of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Police Force, and also the paramilitary units.
They are destined to be united and operate under a single command to ensure these individuals are removed. However, this has not occurred. It hasn't even been attempted. Therefore, no one can genuinely discuss manpower.
Northern state leaders have convened numerous discussions on tackling the security challenges in the Northwest region. However, incidents continue to occur. How do you respond to this situation?
Well, the governors have given their utmost effort. In the meantime, I am among those who have consistently maintained that you cannot hold a state governor responsible for inaction regarding this internal security matter.
This is not a shared emergency that allows a governor to gather his customary leaders, emirs, and religious figures to instruct them to go and urge their communities to maintain harmony.
And if it concerns land issues, we will resolve them. If it relates to a title, we will handle it. This is not a collective emergency.
It is primarily the responsibility of the presidency and the federal government. The federal government has the authority to create laws regarding the operation of the military and the use or non-use of weapons.
Even a state governor would admit that he can recite all these points. He's merely joking since he lacks control over the military or police.
Therefore, he can only offer guidance or possibly submit his request to the highest commander, known as the Commander-in-Chief, so that the Commander-in-Chief will carry it out.
However, even as a state security officer, a governor of the state is unable to act as I had anticipated.
Was the threat from US President Donald Trump a solution?
I don't anticipate a government in a nation such as the United States acting on mere speculation.
But regardless of the situation, it has at least prompted our leadership in the country to take necessary actions. They should by now be ready to fulfill their responsibilities, eliminating these criminals and Boko Haram from the nation. Once this is accomplished, I believe there will be no justification for anyone to go to America and claim that there is a threat of genocide.
Do you believe that a nation such as America should intervene in Nigeria to help combat the so-called terrorists causing chaos among the population?
Honestly speaking, if they are willing, it will be approved. They certainly have the technology and resources. When combined with the capabilities of our country's military personnel, it will eliminate terrorist activities within the nation.
And even prior to this, I am certain that there are other nations that wished to collaborate with Nigeria to ensure that all of this comes to a conclusion, especially France and Russia.
So now it's time for America to proceed in its own manner, although, as I mentioned earlier, this is based on incorrect information.
Now that they have understood that it is precisely a threat directed at both Muslims and Christians, it may ultimately turn out to be a positive outcome.
But do you believe the Nigerian armed forces are capable of dealing with the instability?
Certainly, we have it, but the military staff haven't received permission to proceed as they prefer. Current political circumstances make it very challenging for them. Whenever they wish to act according to their own methods, they must wait for instructions and guidance from certain civilians, especially the Minister of Defence, who is part of the command hierarchy leading up to the Commander-in-Chief.
Do you think that unauthorized mining operations taking place in certain regions of the country are contributing to the rising instability?
Indeed, it is a part of it, naturally. Wherever there are reports of terrorist activities, it's likely that some wealth is being generated there for the advantage of a select few, particularly the elite. Therefore, in Nigeria, this situation is no different.
What is your opinion on the most effective approach to tackle these issues?
Well, in my view, the most effective approach is to let the military carry out its duties to maintain the nation's peace. They possess the necessary personnel, training, and resources, along with all the required equipment. The issue is that they haven't been granted the freedom to operate as they see fit.
Politicians must recognize the value of the military and other security organizations. Allow them to carry out their duties without political interference.
At the very least, allowing them to act freely would resolve the issue we have faced for many years.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
