The bird that is known for its skillful ability to meander through any stormy weather is the eagle. It is of the hawk family. Both are believed to be fully equipped to go through any stormy weather and emerge unruffle and unscratched, unlike other birds that are likely to be swallowed by stormy weather.
Indeed, two security agencies have over the years been at the forefront of virtually every stormy situation in Nigerian. They are regularly in the public eyes. Both are constitutionally empowered to oversee the internal and external security of the country. Their statutory mandate brings them to be in conflict with members of the public who cry out when their rights and freedoms are either tampered with or trampled upon by any of these security agencies.
Coincidentally, both of them are involved in activities that are directed by government or as a result of their statutotry mandate towards national interest.
For instance, the military has been engaged in the war against insurgency since 2010, and is still involved also in internal security, thereby overstretching its manpower and logistics. On the other hand, the police, with a new helmsman, is confronted with patches of insecurity like kidnapping, killings in the Middle Belt and Zamfara.
Recently, the military opened another “mini war” sector in the South East, where it has on its own accord declared war on the toothless Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) over its unconstitutional statement urging Easterners to refrain from participating in the general election, ordering a boycott. To this end, the military has once again called out its giant nightmare (the dancing Python) to the streets in the five South East states.
As I write this column, the Python is yet to swallow anyone, even its dance shows no indication of attempting to swallow, which means the Python is yet to complete mastication of previously swallowed prey.
Apart from these, two major challenges that have seriously engaged the two security agencies are the Boko Haram terrorism in the North and the general election.
Indeed the elections have the traints of anticipated political violence, which has created a stormy atmosphere for both security agencies to wade into. This is not the first time security agencies like the military and the police would encounter stormy weather in the country. In the past, there were stormy situations like “Operation Wetie” in the old Western Region, the Maitatsine uprising, Niger Delta militancy, the Tiv riot, Aba riot, etc. In all of these, innocent lives were lost and properties were recklessly destroyed. Personnel of the security agencies were killed in the line of duty.
Today, all eyes are on the Nigeria Police and the military regarding what their activities would be during the elections. As regards the war against Boko Haram, a accolades should go to the military for their efforts so far in decimating the earlier aggression of the deadly sect. It is only arm-chair critics who are not knowledgeable on modern-day terrorist warfare that would not appreciate the wonderful efforts of our military. In Iraq, Afghanistan, India, Ireland, Somalia and Libya, the story of terrorists has been the same. These countries unanimously rally round their military by appreciating their gallant efforts. Even in the countries where the American military are supportive, the citizen are always commending every of their efforts just to boast their morale. No wonder, President Donald Trump took time off his tight Christmas Day schedule to visit the American troops in lraq.
He is one President who is used to appreciating and commending the American troops fighting terrorists in other countries whenever the opportunity shows up .
While Nigerians are busy uttering discouraging statements about their military, thereby dampening their moral whenever Boko Haram carries an attack, impressively, President Trump, whose troops had the same experience, told his countrymen and women in a broadcast not to despair, noting that “remnants of terrorist groups are more dangerous.”
Such a consoling presidential statement is what Nigerian troops executing the “Operation Lafia Dole” need to hear, so that they can buckle up and finalise the operation. Terrorists in Africa are in a network agreement. It is evident that the recruitment into these terrorist groups are given a lifeline from members of the public, especially those living in their environment. This is why government needs to intensify its public enlightenment campaign by propagating messages that are “anti-recruitment into the group” via radio, traditional rulers and religious institutions.
Instead of vilifying the military, we should always stand by them, especially as they carry the mantle to secure the almost disintegrated country. We should avoid politicising their efforts to unite and stabilise our democracy. The military needs encouragement from every Nigerian. I recall when this writer visited Sambisa forest and other recovered local governments in Borno, the troops were in their trenches, keeping vigil under the hot desert open land, while many Nigerians were busy walking round or seated in their airconditioned offices enjoying their life.
On their own part, the police need special grace to weather the storm that is raging ahead. Many would want to pity the new police chief for being appointed at such a period in the country, a time that every security chief prays that the cup should pass over them. A time when toungues are ready to wag over every step and action taken. What a perilous time for both the police chief and the entire police institution. A time when every statement emanating from the police spokesman and the police boss are instantly analyzed and meanings attached to them. A stormy period indeed.
However, from all indications, it is very obvious that the new police boss has all that it takes, like the eagle, to soar above the impending stormy political weather about to blow across the country. Unfortunately, political storms are usually the handiwork of desperate politicians who are out to grab power by all means. They create the stormy situation when unsuspecting, idle youths are enticed with money with a mandate to either disrupt a rally, snatch ballot boxes or attack opposition members. In all of these, the country would rely solely on the dedication and resolve of all the major security agencies like the military, police and the DSS to form a synergy by doing the needful to ensure that the storm, if any, would not blow any evil wind across the country.
Election security tips
• Avoid places where political arguments are taking place around voting arena
• Report anyone inducing voters with money to security personnel
•Report any security personnel misbehaving by compromising his office to any of these hot lines
DSS: 07055655591/09030002189 or email (dss.gov.ng)
Police: Call Police Control room in your state
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