The security situation in the North can be effectively addressed through strong political will and commitment from the central government rather than declaring a state of emergency.
This was the view of Brig-Gen Kapeh Alwali Kazir (Retd.), during an exclusive interview with Arewa PUNCH in Damaturu, while responding to the Northern Elders Forum’s demand for a state of emergency in the region.
He emphasised that “subverting democratic processes at the sub-national level is undesirable unless where it is absolutely necessary.”
According to the retired army general, no state governor would support the demand for a state of emergency, given the significant investments they have already made to address the security situation.
He stressed further, “What is needed is the central government’s commitment to utilising all available instruments of national power.”
Kazir outlined the necessary steps to address the security situation, saying, among others, the need to “Deploy more troops to affected areas, providing sophisticated surveillance equipment for real-time intelligence and engaging in effective international diplomacy to deprive criminals of resources.
The general noted that with proper equipment, support, and clear directives, the troops can successfully tackle the security challenges, even as he maintained that his reference to political will refers to the Federal Government’s commitment to applying all instruments of national power to achieve the desired outcome.
While insisting that a state of emergency would not be necessary to address the security situation in the North, he reiterated his call for the government’s application of a strong political will and commitment, which he maintained are essential to resolving the crisis.
Meanwhile, efforts to speak with the Security Adviser to the Yobe State Governor, Brigadier General Dahiru AbdulSalam, on the matter, were unsuccessful as he had yet to pick calls initiated into his phone and text messages shared with him.
PUNCH.
