We Shall Overcome Our Security Challenges -By Sanni Inuwa Baba

The rise of insecurity which is caused by some brigands have destabilized not just the Northen Nigeria but Nigeria in general. This calls for a serious concern as attacks from all sides are being descended on Nigerians.

Citizens can’t continue to be held hostages in their lands. Economic activities have been paralyzed as some markets are totally shut down, many farming activities stopped and a quiet number of schools are being closed- easily making “the boko Haram”. All these made it easy for us to have a solace in our discussions by playing the usual blame game – mostly religious and regional, both in social media and anywhere one could talk.

As sad as it may seem, the first thing an ordinary Nigerian asks when an attack or mayhem happens is the identity of the victims.Then he decides to bring out either a rage or a relief. It is not an offense to have a thought that any unconnected person’s life to you is not your business but it a sign that you have become heartless.

We have a choice to either continue debating on who deserves to be the next president in 2023 by playing the tribal cards or we collectively acknowledge that enough is enough. The debate shouldn’t always be what language the candidates speak or which part of the country they emerge from. In my view, what is most relevant is to have leaders that have the capability to tackle our challenges as a Nation.

Until we begin to see a person who speaks different Language than we do or he’s worshiping a different God than ours – is no one but a Nigerian or at most, a Human being, things will never change. These cowards who are making our lives very difficult are just a fraction of citizens. They always look for the weakest link before attacking, then masquerade on a banner that will make Nigerians ask a different question.

With clear conscience and commitment,I still can not see how they can outsmart our reputable security agencies.

However,I still don’t think the Nigerian Security Agencies are up to the task alone. Each region has its peculiar challenges that require the presence of as many security personnel as possible which has lead to the over-stretch of the their architecture.

Like in the case of Angola and Sierra Leone, the Federal Government should reconsider the use of mercenaries to assist in the fight of terrorism especially as many concerned Nigerians and some government officials regularly point fingers to top military chiefs of embezzling funds meant for the purchase of weapons. There’s no shame in seeking for assistance elsewhere especially as records have it that there was a great success when we used them.

Leaders must do all they can so as not to be defeated by these cowards and fellow Nigerians must acknowledge that the fight against terrorism is a fight against incendiary, never about a particular tribe or religion. We are in this together.