By Muhammad Rabiu Jibrin (Mr J)
The primary responsibility of any government at all levels is the protection of the lives and property of its citizens. But, with the prima facie evidence of security deterioration in this country, one would say, with certainty, that the government has failed woefully in that regard, declaring no one unsafe.
If the convoy of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria can be attacked and one of the main correctional centres in its capital raided, causing some of the kingpins of the “Boko Haram” to escape, who and where else do you think is safe?
The military and paramilitary forces meant to protect the country and its citizens from external and internal threats are paying off with their dear lives due to the lack of proper training, poor personnel and good enough weapons, to mention just a few. Their families, after their departure, live in limbo with little or zero support from the government.
From another angle, the judicial apparatus saddled with the responsibility of punishing the law infringers treads to and fro wearily in an ocean of fear of intimidations from the executive arm of government when discharging its duties. This, for sure, fertilizes the roots of injustice, shawls the neck of corruption and fans the amber of criminality and lawlessness. Until when Nigeria would be out of this mess?
The 64 escapees of the “Boko Haram” members from Kuje Prison spell doom to the country. God forbids. But the sad truth is, if the escapees return to their camps and reunite with their colleagues, they would be restrengthened. And, there would be a possibility of new forms of attacks here and there, threatening a few months away 2023 general elections. Therefore, government and the general public should be cautioned.
To abort meeting a bleak future in the store, the government should create an enabling environment by providing means of acquiring a sound education, employment opportunities and financial support to the teeming youths. It should ensure the recruitment of enough security personnel, give them proper training and enough modern weapons and pay their remuneration. Non Governmental Organizations and traditional and religious leaders should chip in, for the insecurity is everyone’s business. May Nigeria prosper.
Muhammad Rabiu Jibrin (Mr J) wrote from Gombe via muhammadrabiujibrin@gmail.com.
