security Archives -

When The Tables Are Turned by Oluka Emmanuel.

Cmoni / May 15, 2021

Indeed, when animals turn the tables and fight back against their attackers – chasing them away or even killing them or maiming them, for whatever reason best known to them, – then, the hunter becomes the hunted. This is presently the case with security personnel in the country. The tables have turned and the hunters have regrettably become the hunted. It is painful that officers meant to attack criminals, now become the attacked. These officers cut across the police, the army, the correctional facilities, and so on. The attacks range from the burning of police stations and patrol vehicles, ambush laying leading to a shoot-out with personnel of security formations, stealing of arms and ammunitions, and aiding jailbreaks at correctional centers. The frequency with which the attacks are being orchestrated is alarming! It is therefore no longer a case of one week, one trouble for our security personnel; it is now one week, several troubles for them. As of 29th March 2021, the BBC reported that the Police suffered the highest form of attacks within the south-eastern region between January and March this year. A breakdown of the report shows that only Enugu state remained the state yet to be attacked within the region at the time1. However, as of 24th April 2021, Enugu state witnessed an attack on the Adani Police Station in the Uzo-Uwani area where two officers were shot dead, reports PREMIUM TIMES2. The south-south region is not also spared as there have been recent attacks by yet-to-be-identified gunmen on police formations in states like Rivers and Akwa-Ibom. The Nigerian military has also had a share of the attacks. PREMIUM TIMES also reported an attack on the Nigerian Military camp in the Zagzaga community in Munya Local Government of Niger State. According to the online newspaper, no fewer than 60 bandits invaded the military camp in the early hours of Wednesday, April 21, 2021, leading to heavy casualties on the bandits2. On the 21st of April 2021, Lagos state released a statement for the manhunt for a driver who smashed a bottle on a police officer’s head. There have also been many tales of unjustified aggression towards police officers within the same state for trying to apprehend drivers for breaking traffic laws. These assaults are just some out of numerous experiences security personnel have suffered in recent times. These ugly developments leave the question, can a society survive without law enforcement? Is attacking these security custodians the best way to go? In this essay, the writer examines how we got here and the consequences such attacks hold for our society while exploring the way forward. How We Got Here (The Causes…) What readily comes to mind is mutual suspicion. For example, “Police is your friend,” is the agelong motto of the Nigerian Police Force. But, recent attacks on police formations across the country may suggest that its friendship with the people may have become strained. Thus, today, there seems to be a mutual suspicion between the people and their friend, the police. Meanwhile, security agents have not always come out smelling like roses whenever their activities are being x-rayed. There have been documented cases of alleged abuse of their constitutional powers and blatant human rights violations. Also, there have been documented reports of the Nigerian Military and the Police using excessive force against civilians. Such violence against the people can ignite reprisal attacks if the opportunity presents itself for the civilians. Yet, the feeling that security personnel sometimes go unpunished and victims left helpless, is also telling. Sad tales like these may have propelled the nation-wide End-SARS 2020. The demonstrations began amid calls to disband the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a tactical unit of the police. The protest quickly moved into bigger calls for police reforms. The End-SARS protest and subsequent demonstrations were halted by security agencies, and the mistrust between the people and the security personnel seems to have deepened. So, is there any connection between how the End-SARS protest ended and the surge in attacks on security personnel across the country? The media have also been indicted. Some media reports incite public calls for an immediate reaction through strategically designed sensationalism. For instance, the approach of some media reports during the End-SARS saga may have inadvertently contributed to exacerbating undue public perception and hatred suspected to have links with the spiral of attacks we now witness on security personnel across the country. Meanwhile, poverty and the lack of necessities by the people in Nigeria have created a pool of frustrated persons who are easily lured by any event to be violent. The argument is that an idle mind remains the devil’s workshop. When no jobs exist to engage these pools of people, they jump at any opportunity to launch their frustration on anything. The Damaging Consequences… Continued attacks on security personnel and their formations have dire consequences for Nigeria. It can lead to anarchy, breakdown of law and order, and no person will be spared. The writer reports that in his street, there have been increasing cases of phone snatching, secret cult clashes, and even broad daylight robbery. These crimes before now, were almost none existent, making the people’s hope of sleeping with their two eyes closed quite elusive. The brazenness of the assaults creates fear within the security ranks, leading to the dearth of officers to prevent and detect crimes, maintain law and order, and protect lives and property. Tellingly, this also impacts negatively on the growth of existing businesses. Nightlife and the attendant business dependent on it to survive, suffer the consequences too. The ferocious attacks on security personnel and the frequency of their occurrence especially by unknown gunmen give the signal to the international community that Nigeria is not a safe and secure investment destination. The economy bears the brunt because of this. This leads to the paucity of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI). Potential investors become scared to invest in the economy due to the uncertainties that would

Opinion Articles, Writers

Secure The Security Officers by Humble Ogbonna.

Cmoni / May 15, 2021

He adjusted his belt comfortably on his waist as he smiled appreciatively at the man in the mirror. His wife tenderly kissed him, dusted the stain on his badge and made sure that his beret sat well on his head. “Daddy, please get chocolate for me today,” his daughter said. “I sure will, my angel. Daddy will buy you the biggest chocolate bars today, ” he said in reply. Little did he know that he wouldn’t return home alive as his vibrant life was snuffed out of him while discharging his duties along with his colleagues at a checkpoint by unknown gunmen. …………………………. She had just been promoted after several years of hard work and commitment. Her new rank fitted her perfectly as she looked forward to having a memorable first day in office on her new role. Just then she heard gunshots – her station was under a surprise attack! Bullets flew here and there as the officers engaged the attackers. She wasn’t fortunate enough as a bullet pierced through her chest. She could only watch helplessly in her own pool of blood as the station which was standing a few minutes ago was burnt to ashes. …………………………. The above scenarios accurately pictures the gory happenings that we have been experiencing these past few weeks – the attacks and killings of security personnel. The three – letter question hanging on the sobbing lips and teary eyes of most individual is “Why?” While the main cause(s) have not been identified since the attackers are still referred to as “unknown gunmen”, a few probable causes have nonetheless surfaced. What are these? Probable Causes Whenever news of the gunmen’s attack is reported, the internet is usually divided in its response towards it. While many condemn those acts, a few others have applauded it as a welcome development, they see it as a just retaliation in response to the arrests and deaths of members of the secessionist group in the South East. Could these be retaliatory attacks? We just can’t tell. Another probable cause could be as a result of a failed government. Despite boasting of being Africa’s largest economy, Bloomberg.com reports that “the jobless rate in Nigeria rose to 33.3%,” also adding that “a third of the 69.7 million strong labor force in Africa’s most-populous nation either did nothing or worked for less than 20 hours a week, making them unemployed, according to the Nigerian definition. Another 15.9 million worked less than 40 hours a week, making them underemployed.” So due to the failure of the government to provide employment, some have sadly resorted to crime, and what better way would crime flourish if not for the crippling of the security system put in place to combat it? Furthermore, the porosity of the borders is also a likely cause. How else can one explain how the ammunition used by the attackers get into their hands without being intercepted by security officers. This is a probable reason for the security quagmire experienced today. Additionally, it is equally important to acknowledge that the weak security system and failure to provide advanced technology in combating crime also gives the gunmen the impetus to continue their attacks because with adequate technology, the attackers can be easily identified, tracked and arrested, sadly the security personnel seem pretty under equipped and are often caught off-guard during such terrible attacks. Consequences of Such Attacks “No one scratches a sore and doesn’t expect to see blood”, the attacks and killings of security personnel have had devastating consequences. Such attacks threaten lives and properties. Many have been killed; security officers and the gunmen alike, even innocent civilians caught in the crossfire have not been spared. Government properties like security vehicles and police stations have been burnt to ashes. Also, these attacks have hindered so many business activities. People whose business places are near police stations and checkpoints are scared to go about their daily economical activities since they do not know when next an attack might happen. A report by BBC News on April 28 says “Canada, Australia, US, UK give travel warning on Nigeria insecurity…” How worse it had become due to the attacks on security personnel, these barbaric acts definitely discourages both local and foreign investors, little wonder then why foreign investors are snubbing Nigeria in favour of other African countries, afterall who would want to invest in a country where the security personnel charged with the responsibility of securing others are not safe themselves? These attacks, if left to continue would lead to a total breakdown of law and order and an escalation of other crimes in the country. What then is the way forward? Foremost, the government should try its best in ensuring that the unemployment rate among youths is drastically reduced because when everyone become gainfully employed, it would be difficult to see a substantial amount of people subscribing to criminal acts. This can be done by cutting down on unnecessary budgets while investing massively in education, agriculture and technology. Security personnel should be adequately trained and modern technology for combating crime should be provided for them as they carry out their assignment. The officers should likewise resist the tendency to abuse their power on helpless civilians as this only breeds hatred for them in the minds of the people. Security at the borders also needs to be improved and civilians should try to comply with the directives given by these officers in order to avoid unnecessary confrontations. The government should also try to engage in peaceful dialogues with secessionist groups and see how best to handle their worries, fears and concerns. Finally, respect for established authorities should be taught at home, schools and religious centres, since these places play a pivotal role in shaping the mindset of those that pass through them. Conclusion In truth, no nation is a hundred percent safe. Also, every nation on earth have unique challenges which they are facing because the world’s situation is growing from bad to

Opinion Articles, Writers

Looming Dangers Of Attacks On Security Personnel by Michael Ogbonnaya.

Cmoni / May 15, 2021

“Abia govt confirms gunmen attack on police station.” – Dailypost of 9 may 2021. “Boko Haram attacks army base, kills five soldiers.” – Punch newspaper of 17 May 2020. “Eight killed as operatives repel attack on imo police division.” – Guardian newspaper of 7 May 2021. Whether you listen to the news, or you pick up a copy of some of our national dailies, these kinds of troubling headlines cannot be avoided. Over the years, Nigerians have experienced armed crimes such as robbery, kidnapping etc. Recently, these attacks have been targeted at our security personnel. In the Northeast, the incessant attacks by Boko Haram insurgents on the Nigerian army have been a reoccurring menace. In the Southeast, series of coordinated, albeit nasty attacks on the Nigerian Police and Army have been perpetrated by ‘unknown gunmen’. These attacks on our security personnel can be likened to a fly that is perched on the scrotum and hence, require critical attention. Following the blitz of deadly attacks on our security officers, some of the questions which have engrossed the minds of concerned Nigerians include; Who are those killing security personnel in Nigeria? Why have security officers become their target? What are the motives of those perpetrating these attacks? How long will these attacks continue? Brief insight on these attacks In Northern Nigeria, several attacks have been made on members of the Nigerian Army by Boko Haram insurgents. The group whose name means “western education is forbidden” in the Hausa language spoken across northern Nigeria, has claimed responsibility for several attacks on the Nigerian Army. Punch newspaper of 17 May 2020, reported that “Boko Haram fighters have attacked a Nigerian Army location at 156 Battalion in Mainok area, Borno state, killing five soldiers“. On several occasions, these insurgents have made away with ammunition belonging to the Nigerian Army. A worrisome trend of assault on security personnel, especially the Nigerian Police, is rearing its ugly head in the Southeast. When these attacks are critically appraised, a definite pattern is noticed; ‘Unknown Gunmen’ attack Police stations, Police officers are killed, Detainees are freed, Police stations are razed by fire, assault rifles and other weapons of the Nigerian Police are carted away by these gunmen. Although the motive behind these attacks has not been ascertained, some members of the public have pointed accusing fingers at Nnamdi Kanu’s Eastern Security Network (ESN). My esteemed readers would recall that owing to the incessant attacks on farmers by armed fulani herdsmen and the perceived inability of the Southeast governors to tackle this issue, Nnamdi Kanu set up a security wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). On 24 April 2021, reports claimed that ESN commander, Ikonso, was killed in Imo state by men of the Nigerian Army. Reacting to the development, IPOB’s media and publicity secretary, Emma Powerful, vowed that “Imo state Governor, Hope Uzodinma, and all those who had a hand in the wickedness(death of Ikonso) will pay“. Coincidentally, pockets of attacks on Nigerian Police have visited the southeast Nigeria states since this statement was made. The attack on Hope Uzodinma’s house and consequent killing of his security guards is also noteworthy. Shey you dey get the gist? Why the attacks on security personnel? During election period in the country, security threats such as arming of political thugs for election malpractices by desperate politicians, use of inciting statements during political campaigns and in some cases, violent attacks by these armed thugs on our security personnel are usually noticed. ThisDay of 31 August 2020 reported that “the (then) Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, has raised the alarm that politicians in Edo and Ondo states are arming thugs ahead of the governorship polls scheduled for September 19 and October 10 respectively“. Former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Chukwuma Soludo, who is also an aspirant in the November 6 governorship election in Anambra state, was attacked by gunmen who killed three policemen attached to him. It is clear that the attack on Soludo has a political undertone. An African proverb has it that “when a mad man starts to use chewing stick, every tree becomes a victim“. After elections, these armed thugs continue to perpetrate varying degrees of heinous crimes. Even our security officers are not spared when they want to curb the activities of these armed thugs. The organized attempt by some groups such as Boko Haram to defeat the Nigerian government and take control of some parts of the country has been a major reason for several attacks on the Nigerian security personnel especially in the Northeastern Nigeria. Stories of Boko Haram terrorists and the Nigerian troops engaging in a fierce gun battle have always made headlines on the pages of our national dailies. Although IPOB has vehemently denied responsibility for the attacks on several police stations in the Southeast, many still believe that the group cannot be exonerated from the attacks. Wahala dey! Following a report by Dailypost of 9 May 2021 that gunmen attacked a Police station in Abia state, a statement from John Okiyi Kalu, commissioner for information Abia state, reads that “those who feel aggrieved must find peaceful means of ventilating their grievances and agitate for redress as provided for in our constitution rather than take the laws into their hands“. From his statement, we can extract that, grievances of some people, is one of the reasons for attack on security personnel. These grievances could stem from brutality and harassment of some persons by security personnel, perceived marginalization of certain tribe in the country, bad governance etc. Some political parties have been accused of sponsoring the activities of these insurgents in a bid to score cheap political points. Vanguard newspaper of 22 December 2014 reported that the “national leadership of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has again alleged that the leadership of the All Progressive Congress, APC, was behind the continued cases of insurgency where members of the Boko Haram sect have

Essays, Writers

The Appointment Of New Service Chiefs: A Possible Security Breakthrough by Oluremi Daniel.

Cmoni / February 5, 2021

Nigeria, our dear country, has been through a lot of problems and issues as a nation. These issues range from corruption, economic and political instability as well as insecurity. The latter can be called the chief of all our problems as a country because a nation without peace and security will most likely suffer strain in its other sectors. Examples of our insecurity issues include multiple abductions and ritual killings, intertribal skirmish, herdsmen intrusions, bandit attacks, the ironic terrorism of citizens by the Nigerian Police and Armed Forces, and of course, the infamous Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast. The insurgency, in particular, has been raging for the past 11 years, has led to the death of at least 36,000 people, and has displaced another 2 million people [1]! However, the “news” of our insecurity issues is no longer new. What is new, is the appointment of service chiefs by President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, 26th of January after the sacking resignation and retirement of the previously existing service chiefs. As disclosed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, “ President Buhari has accepted the immediate resignation of the Service Chiefs, and their retirement from service. Those involved are General Abayomi Olonisakin, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas, and Air Marshall Sadique Abubakar.” They were relieved of their duties by Major General Leo Irabor (as Chief of Defence Staff), Major General I. Attahiru (as Chief of Army Staff), Rear Admiral A.Z. Gambo (as Chief of Naval Staff) and Air Vice Marshall I.O. Amao (as Chief of Air Staff) respectively [2]. The changes were not unprecedented, as there has been a clamour for the President to replace the chiefs who he appointed almost 6 years ago in 2015 to inject fresh blood into the system [2]. More importantly, the former service chiefs were generally considered inefficient and incompetent by many Nigerians [3]. Why? Before analysing the new people in charge as well as the prospects and expectations of the country at large we must assess the performance of the replaced ones. Buhari, was already a retired major general before he contested for and won the Presidential election in 2015. Among the numerous promises he put forth back then, a “change” in the insecurity in the country was thought to become the obvious forte of the Buhari administration, seeing his past profession. However, instead of shoving terrorism and insurgency out the door, which was Buhari’s unique and strongest selling point back in 2015, the situation worsened [3]. Every measure that was initiated only brought more problems, and the cancer of terrorism took new forms, metastasizing and mutating from terrorism to banditry, worsening insurgency, kidnapping, communal strife and open madness on the part of criminals [3]. The most annoying part of the whole matter is that, under the watch of these immediate past service chiefs, especially General Abayomi Olonisakin, there were over 40 military operations [3]! This translates to more military operations in the last 5 years than any other time in Nigerian history, including the Nigerian civil war [3]! Some of the nothing-to-show-for operations are Operations Lafiya Dole, Crocodile Smile I and II, Python Dance, Cat Race and Rattle Snake to name a few [3]. Maybe because they thought Nigerians were dumb, these chiefs, in partnership with government were just painting their failures in different milder colours to avoid too much backlash from society. For example, they made use of terms like “technically defeated”, “degraded” or “decimated” when addressing their fight against Boko Haram when we all know they haven’t made much progress in dissolving the 11-year contention [3]. This cover-up schemes inevitably led to, as Reuben Abati, a politician and former chairman of The Guardian newspaper brilliantly confirmed “no substantial progress, but amounted to nothing more than motion without movement, empty rhetoric and overt politicization of military strategy”. Also, in 5 years, many soldiers deserted the warfront and generals complained about the terrorists’ access to better equipment and motivation, unlike the Nigerian army [3]. All of a sudden, the military became very vocal on social media, especially Twitter [3]! Hilariously, President Buhari thanked the outgoing service chiefs for what he calls their “overwhelming achievements in our efforts at bringing enduring peace to our dear country” [2]. This statement received criticism from people like Kabir Adamu, a security expert who had this to say, “ It would be a bit difficult really for Nigerians to be convinced that the immediate past service chiefs recorded overwhelming achievements”. Reuben also added, “The President talked about their “overwhelming achievements”. “Overwhelming” is a two-sided word; it can be positive or negative!” Well, out with the old and in with the new! The fresh cycle of chiefs seems to raise the hopes of Nigerians. The appointments have been received positive reactions from the likes of Nyesom Wike, Governor of Rivers State, Ayodele Fayose, former governor of Ekiti State and even the Igbo sociocultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo [4]. Also, their profiles are interesting and encouraging at least. The most impressive of them is Major General Leo Irabor. The Chief of Defence Staff is well educated with a degree in Engineering from the Obafemi Awolowo University and 2 Masters degrees from outside the country. He also studied in different Military Colleges including the Harvard Kennedy School of Government Executive Programme in the United States [5]. Since they are still new and we are yet to see any changes, there have been efforts taken by them to help the country. When they met Buhari last week, Irabor was reported as having said that he and his team are determined to “add value” [3]. In fact, on Sunday 31st of January, Irabor and his team went on a visit to Borno State and they engaged with stakeholder communities [3]. These chiefs also seem close to each other and this is very important in ensuring synchronization of the Armed Forces. Apart from the tenacious Boko Haram menace, they are also expected to

Essays, Writers

State Police: A Feasible Solution To Enhance National Security by Victor Okonjo.

Cmoni / December 19, 2020

Security as we all know is the business of everybody. A common statement that goes thus “Be your brother’s keeper” gives a true understanding on the importance of security cautiousness at all levels. In other words, the representation of security management should be effectively distributed across board including the communal neighborhood. To achieve this objective, the system of policing must be such that is decentralized to enable productive and effect security management. A feasible solution to this course is the establishment of State police. To achieve positive and improved outcome on national security in a complex country like Nigeria, the establishment of State police must be given due consideration and acceptance. Countries that practice the system of federalism in normal sense devolve autonomous responsibility and ability to component States. This will allow for even distribution of development to the grass root including a functioning security network. However, the present security architecture of the Nigerian Police Force does not have the wherewithal to adequately overwhelm the security challenges in the country. This is because of several reasons not limited to low number of police personnel per citizen ratio and the centralized bureaucratic system. The control of power over policing should not be solely for the federal government but a shared responsibility among the component States. One of the importances of State police is that personnel who would be recruited will be from the locals of the respective States. They will be very familiar with their immediate environment and if well trained, with due motivation, will perform maximally in tackling security threats. Furthermore, the establishment of State police will empower the Governor of a State, who is the chief security officer of the State, to have direct control over civil matters that concern security. The Governor will know how best to organize adequate security when he has executive influence over the command of State security. The unitary system practiced in Nigeria has become so inadequate to sustain development but impede growth. For a country to enjoy economic prosperity, she must ensure to strengthen and standardize her national security. The high magnitude of power clustered at the federal tier of government has caused slow growth in governance. Therefore, the machinery of State should restructure the country in a way that will allow the possibility of rapid national development. The restructuring of the country will certainly pave way for State police to be created. If Nigeria is to practice federalism as a system of government, she has to do it correctly to the latter. Some persons have opposed the ideal of State police on the basis of myopic reasons. They majorly claim that Governors would abuse executive power through undue influence over State police when established. However, it is pertinent for us to know that it is easier to hold a State government accountable than the federal government. That is why before State police is made manifest the country would be restructured in a way that enables check and balance in the various States of the country. The security of live and properties is the priority and responsibility of government as stipulated by the constitution. Therefore, State government lead by executive Governors are duty bound by the law to ensure the right to life and security of properties are religiously protected especially if State police is established. There are so many examples of countries that practice State or regional police. In fact, some of these countries have more than one different police systems that operate within respective jurisdiction. Countries of such nature are but not limited to the United States of America, United Kingdom, India, Japan, Canada and Australia. In all, the United States of America is said to have the most decentralized police system in the world. The police architecture in the United States is broken down into various types that enable her components States, counties, towns/cities and villages to form their own police. The idea behind this is to prevent too much clustered power over the police by the central government and to give room for local crisis to be tackled with local solutions. The United Kingdom who practices parliamentary system of government devolved power of policing to her local constituents. They operate a tripartite system of police, which is accountable solely to the law but administrative or political influence. The Nigeria government should be humble enough to recognize the effectiveness of a decentralized police service as it is in the aforementioned countries. Aside the establishment of State police in the various States, the local communities and villages should be allowed to define their security arrangement. I strongly support State police to be a feasible solution to enhance national security. REFRENCES: http://www.britannica.com/topic/poice/Decentralized-police-organizations, 2020, Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. Professional Ethics in Law Enforcement and Security Management, Course Code: CSS 442, Pg. (90), School of Arts and Social Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria. Victor Okonjo wrote in via okonjovico@gmail.com

Blog, Essays, Monishots

A Teachable Moment For El Rufai And The NBA.

Cmoni / August 26, 2020

El-Rufai is an achiever, Nigeria needs more like him no doubt. However, even his most fanatic supporter will agree on his rising unvendible profile in the south. He needs to calm down and learn to be more diplomatic. It will not reduce his effectiveness rather it will increase it and equally enhance the chances of realising his future aspirations.

Blog, Essays, Monishots

How the South-East should respond to Amotekun.

Cmoni / January 25, 2020

“It is the opinion of many great authorities that every nation or people build its future on its past, that is, a past that has been properly studied and understood, and whose seminal experience has been extracted and redeployed for further use”. ~ Prof. Adiele Afigbo Ever since Mohammed Yusuf was extra-judicially murdered by the police in 2007- a costly insurgency that has so far claimed over fifty thousand lives and displaced about three million continues to ravage the nation. The hydra-headed problem turned into a conflagration which continues to oxygenate the activities of bandits in the North-West and killer herdsmen across the nation. The inability of the national defence and security apparatus to contain the insurgents has seen an otherwise localised conflict permeate the other regions in different guises. In the South West kidnapping became so rampant that even the high and mighty were not spared. Chief Olu Falae is lucky to be alive while Pa Fasoranti’s daughter -may her soul rest in peace- wasn’t so lucky. What’s more, President Buhari’s lopsided appointments in the security architecture and his reluctance to replace the service chiefs in the face of perennial insecurity culminated in the birth of Operation Amotekun. Well, so the Yoruba leaders say. I am not sold on that narrative. I believe that Operation Amotekun is actually more about politics than security. Why do I think so? Well, part of the reason should be obvious to the discerning observer. With the exception of some Nordic countries and a few others, even the most liberal democracies have its security framework usually designed with the principal consideration of protecting the ruling elite let alone Nigeria where ours was largely shaped by long years of military dictatorship. Precisely, the established operational paradigm in the country can rightly be described as regime security rather than national security. This is better exemplified in the fact that it is normal to have the number of security operatives attached to the office of a local government chairman supersede what is left to guard the local government area itself. Tinubu himself is very much aware of this. As the political godfather of the South West, his measured statement calling for dialogue with the federal government couldn’t have been better crafted given his rumoured ambition to succeed Buhari. Who wants to stir the applecart? And did his caution prevail? Certainly, the northern dominated federal government is aware of existing security outfits like Hisbah, JTF and the rest. So it makes little sense to boisterously oppose a similar initiative by the politically aligned South West. Moreover, any other amorphous security organisation out there that exceeds set boundaries as the so-called legal framework will definitely outline can always be tamed. Cut to size and reduced to omonile like Obasanjo did to the Oodua Peoples Congress OPC. So, as the Federal Government led pally with South-West Governors on the contentious issues concluded with a mutual agreement public attention will understandably switch to other regions particularly the South-East. Leaders of the region will be inundated with more calls to reproduce something identical. Already we ‘ve had some chest-thumping from usual vocal quarters. While Ohaneze Youth Council called on the conspicuously silent South-East Governors to resuscitate the defunct Bakassi boys, IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu promised to relaunch the disbanded Biafran Security Service with the aim of supporting Amotekun with one million men. However, our leaders need not succumb to these chaotic and discordant demands. There are factors to be taken into account before any coordinated response if at all there will be one as different geopolitical regions in the Nigerian enclave has its peculiarities. This is even more so with the South East. For one, baring Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state, the remaining South West Governors will face reelection sooner or later with Akerodolu of Ondo state looking to renew his mandate later this year. The region’s electorate often described as the most politically sophisticated couldn’t care less about the fact that bulk of the governors are members of the ruling APC. Given the opportunity, the Oyo state experience may be replicated in states where the governor’s report card is subpar. Now given that the security of lives and property is always a paramount factor in electioneering campaign and if your people have been lamenting the poor security situation, what better promise than an indigenous outfit to secure the region? Moreso, when it will likely be opposed -as we have seen- by perceived traducers or invaders like Miyetti Allah as Odumakin and Femi Fani Kayode, would have them believe. We can now see the reason behind the collective insistence and perhaps desperation of the governors to fly the spotted cat. Perception is key. In reality, the converse is the case in the South-East. Only Hope Uzodimma will seek re-election. The rest are doing a second term. Moreover, the region has fared best in terms of security over the last two years. According to the statistics released by Nigeria Security Tracker (NST), it had the least percentage (1%) of reported cases of kidnapping between Jan-Sept 2019. Compare that to (43%) in the North West and you can see who really needs to emulate Amotekun. The truth is that silently the South-East governors though often perceived as inept by a majority of her people have performed creditably in the area of security. Gone are the days when the region was notorious for kidnapping. In Anambra state, for instance, Governor Obiano encouraged community policing from day one. Each town union is well funded to maintain a vigilante group who collaborate with the police. The governor also regularly equips the state police command with vehicles, communication and security gadgets including drones. This laudable initiative has earned the state several accolades as the safest in the country and is currently being xeroxed in Abia and Ebonyi states. So Igbo leaders need to be circumspect and proactive here. Ours is a region blessed with abundant natural resources like oil, coal, zinc, limestone, salt and much more which remain largely