My
recent written analysis on the state of the nation as regards security, which I
titled ‘averting reprisals over herdsmen massacres’ as was published in this
revered tabloid on Thursday 25th January 2018, was actually informed
by my panoramic view.
I
truly foresaw that if apt measure wasn’t taken by the concerned authorities,
Nigerians as a people might resort to self-defence or worse still, reprisal.
Hence, I use the medium to decisively warn the governments at all levels on the
dangers inherent in docility thereby urged them to expedite action towards
putting the said societal menace to an obvious end.
Intriguingly, Lieutenant General
Theophilus Danjuma had in his capacity openly advocated for self-defence. The
aforementioned retired security personnel, who had in different occasions
served as the Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff and Minister of Defence, on
Saturday 24th March 2018, enjoined Nigerians to defend themselves
from killers across the country instead of depending on the Armed Forces.
In
the statement, which he made at the maiden convocation ceremony of the Taraba
State University in Jalingo, Gen. Danjuma frankly opined that the army and
other security agencies “colluded with killers to attack Nigerians”. Having
accused the army of being bias, saying it had failed in its responsibility of
securing the country from attacks, he equally insinuated that there was an
attempt at ethnic cleansing in the state as well as some rural localities in
Nigeria. Hence, he further stated, “We must resist it. We must stop it. Every
one of us must rise up.”
In the Nigeria’s extant laws, likewise
other countries’, it is only in the course of self-defence one is permitted to
commit murder. It suffices to assert that the former justifies the latter. It’s
noteworthy that such form of killing can be classified as manslaughter.
The above constitutional clarification
indicates that anyone could deploy any means towards defending him/herself in
the course of any battle that befell them, even though no one is legally
allowed to have arms or ammunition in his/her possession unless he is licensed
to do so.
But
going by Gen. Danjuma’s counsel, every Nigerian had been encouraged to possess
arms and other forms of weapon. It’s more confusing that it took place at an
era Nigerians were mandated by the police to return all firearms and ammunition
in their custody or possession, as may be the case.
Besides, it’s mind-boggling that the
advice came from no other person than a supposed security expert; from a
retired security chief; from a Nigerian who is meant to know the nitty-gritty
surrounding state policing; a man who ought to realize that illicit handling of
arms is criminal, hence unacceptable; a man who should comprehend the best
security tip-bits to tender in a public sphere.
If Gen. Danjuma was of the view that
the President Buhari-led administration wasn’t doing enough towards ending
crimes in the country, he should have realized that it is his duty as a
renowned security figure to help in boosting the government’s capacity rather
than inciting the people against the constituted authority.
As an erstwhile army boss, he has all
it takes to demand for an explanation why things aren’t being done as expected.
It’s his civic responsibility to assist the Armed Forces, and even the police,
in carrying out their lawful obligations. Thus, conscientizing the people to
take to arms was enough reason to assert that he has equally failed the country
he vowed to protect many years ago; needless to say that he isn’t living up to
expectations.
Even if such counsel was really consequential
or unavoidable considering the current state of the Nigerian nation, it
shouldn’t have been given by a citizen like Gen. Danjuma. If at all it ought to
be tendered by his person, it never deserved a public hearing. And, if it must
be made public, it shouldn’t have emanated from such an occasion comprising
individuals of diverse backgrounds, or sense of reasoning.
Though
he had claimed that he is not a politician, this statement of his person has
made me to be of the notion that he’s an affiliate of a certain political
party; that he belongs to one of those oppositions that are fond of employing
sentiments while discussing issues of public concern. He has by that step
communicated to me that he is not neutral, thus merely making effort to lure
the electorate into his net.
I don’t really comprehend how we
arrived at this point that a supposed patriotic Nigerian who had meritoriously
served in one of the country’s reputable security outfits could publicly
suggest to civilians that the best alternative way they could fight or repel
crimes is to be fully armed as a people in their respective localities. If at
this age, a full-fledged Nigerian could think in such direction, then I’m
afraid, we are headed for doom.
Inasmuch as I own Gen. Danjuma’s gray hairs an
explicit respect, I also want him to note that the Armed Forces are mostly in
need of his wealth of experience at this time; hence, the need for him to think
as an expert, and not like a mere dweller.
The leaders, on their part, must
equally take into cognizance that securing the people’s lives and property is
one of the prime constitutional responsibilities of the government, thus at all
times remains non-negotiable. Think about it!
Comrade Fred Nwaozor
Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri
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Twitter: @mediambassador
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