Still On Abba Kyari Crime Fighting And The Need To Curtail Disturbing Incidences Of Crime In The Country (9) -By Hajia Hadiza Mohammed

I am still overwhelmed by the deluge of feedback that I have received concerning the insecurity in the country and the imperative of getting Abba Kyari back to work. In the last essay in the series I examined the responses from our compatriots in Diaspora. And in truth the list is inexhaustible. Generally, everybody is in agreement that the reinstatement of Mr. Abba Kyari will be in the best interest of the country. In this piece, I will take a brief look at the feedback from groups and organizations.

A group, known as Leadwell African Global Initiative in collaboration with the Nigerian Clerics Council of Bishops and Imams under the leadership of the country director, Dr. Bony L. Sunny, wrote me a letter. Among other things, it was stated that: “ we are a group of Nigerian clerics, both Christian and Muslim leaders with the sole aim of fostering peace and stability in our country, Nigeria and the world at large. We have to commend you on your essay series titled: Still on Abba Kyari, Crime Fighting and the Need to Curtail Disturbing Incidences of Crime in Nigeria. We are indeed concerned about the rising cases of kidnapping incidences in our country at this time and do agree that our country is in dire needs of capable hands and that the DCP Abba Kyari and his team should be brought back to continue their good job of battling the criminal elements now having a free reign on the country…”

Another group known as National Peace Initiative led by Barr Jeff Imafidon wrote to acknowledge my concern for the security of the country and requested to have audience with me to chart the way forward for our country but when I told them that I am not in the country, they said that they will convene a National Peace and Security Conference and would like to have me in attendance. Also, a coalition of different Northern youth’s organizations under the aegis of United Northern Youth Forum wrote to thank me for my interest in Abba Kyari’s release. They pledged to take up the challenge to sensitize people on why the incarcerated super cop should be recalled back to work. An Abuja-based group identified as the Action Front for National Security (AFNS) wrote thus: “we are delighted to know of your interest and efforts geared toward the release of DCP Abba Kyari who had been in detention without bail for almost two years now and wish to commend you for a job well-done. We are willing to work in concert with any group or groups that are available to work for his release. We share your believe that Abba Kyari should be released and restored to his job…” Another Abuja-based group known as the Peace Forum states that, “while we believe that nobody is above the law, we also believe that some people are born to enforce the law. And that is where Abba Kyari belongs and so he should be pardoned and restored to continue to enforce the law.”

Furthermore, a group identified as the Association for the Promotion of National Security (APNS) led by Alhaji Ahmadu Usman decried the state of insecurity in the country and lamented that a gallant officer committed to national service, Abba Kyari, who should have been of great service to the nation is languishing in jail while the dare-devil criminal elements are riding rough shod on the entire nation. Again, a group known as Arewa Security Forum led by Abdulrasheed Mohammed argued that if the militants can be granted amnesty and the insurgents who took up arm against the state are pardoned and the corrupt politicians granted bail there is no reason why Abba Kyari who has an enviable track record of service should not be recalled especially now that the national security is in shambles.

Moreover a youth coalition for national security led by Adebayo Akintade stated that if Kyari is not granted bail, it will convene a meeting of interest groups after which they will issue a joint communiqué requesting the strengthening on national security and the release of DCP. Abba Kyari. Also, the Gregory Okoye-led Nigeria Unity Peace and Security Agenda said that they are disturbed about insecurity in Nigeria and suggested that Nigerians should march to the National Assembly that has expressed concern about the deplorable security situation in Nigeria before and compel our elected representatives to intervene to get Abba Kyari back to his office. An Abuja-based NGO, Peace and Rights Initiative, an organization committed to attending to the needs of the vulnerable groups stated that they have visited Abba Kyari in Kuje Prisons just as it falls within the purviews of their mandate to visit those in prison. They believe that Abba Kyari deserves to be released, first, because he is human. Secondly, for he has stayed long in detention and thirdly for the nation still requires his services. While they decried the condition of people in Nigerian prisons they urged us to fight hard to drum up support for the release of the super cop and many others languishing in jail without trial.

And yet one group led by one Bamala wrote thusly: “Hajia Hadiza Mohammed thank you for all your efforts on Nigerian security matters. No doubt the absence of the super cop Abba Kyari is a big loss for all good Nigerians and national security of our country and a big gain to terrorists, bandits, armed robbers and kidnappers.” And continuing, they wrote, “free super cop Abba Kyari for the sake of the security of Nigerians and protection of lives and property of the citizens. We need Abba Kyari back. For 30 months now since his absence Nigeria could not produce anyone or any tactical team that can perform 50% of what Abba Kyari did. Please, let us swallow our pride and free this gifted genius officer to protect Nigerians. We need genuinely tested officers with proven records of performance now more than ever.”

This is the voice of the people and this is all that can be accommodated here. There is more to come. Stay tuned!

Hajia Hadiza Mohammed
hajiahadizamohammed@gmail.com
An actress, social activist, politician
London, UK