Nigeria And The Challenge Of Insecurity, The Way Out

Many have attributed the rise in the spate of insecurity in the country where pump action gun is perhaps now cheaper than bread, to the massive social economic slide of the as a result of the embrace of neo-liberal policies, ushered in by the Washington consensus of the mid 80s, which severally attacked living condition s of the people almost rendering them prostrate.

As a result of this thousands of our youth were unable to find jobs. This is compounded by the closure of many firms and the relocation of many others to Ghana, Angola and Cote d’Ivoire where the business climate is more clement.

Living indices in Africa’s largest country and the world’s eight largest producer of oil is appalling. We have made more than 600 billion dollars in the 50 years of oil production without any appreciable improvement in the living standard of the people. This amount is more than the British aid to sub-Sahara Africa.

The UN Human development report released annually has underscored the level of poverty in Nigeria saying more than 70 per cent of the population lives below one dollar a day while life expectancy has slipped to 43 years.

The indices for child and maternal, is abysmal while girl child education remains farfetched. Meeting the goal of the millennium development goal (MDGs) in 2015 remains a mirage.

Socio infrastructural like roads, schools, hospitals and other amenities became comatose. Living condition virtually degenerated to the Hobbesian state of nature throwing many to the streets.

The attempt by the neglected and socially deprived to take back its pound of flesh on society is what is playing out in robbery, kidnapping, terrorism etc. We therefore face imminent collective hara-kin if we continue to play with what is likely to consume the country.

The level of insecurity is also related to the prevailing large number of small arms in the West Africa sub region in the hand of non state actors, with many finding its way into Nigeria from previous war torn area like, Liberia, Sierria  Leone, Guinea and Cote d’ Ivoire.

Lawlessness

The level of lawlessness can be gleaned from the way many gangs are springing up to vigorously challenge the state and its security apparati.

Our inability to contain these insurgents will likely reinforce the demands of others. It is worrying whether we are not setting the stage for a country like Somalis which is riled by myriads of warlords.

The rise in kidnapping and the payment of ransomed also reinforce the level of lawlessness. No one is safe anymore.

Unbridled Corruption

The level of corruption and the impunity in which many public officials now indulge in it stares us in the face. We have graduated from stealing in millions to billionaire thieves.

There’s total disconnect between the wealth of the nation and the putrid living standard of the citizenry. For instance, a total sum of N16.44 trillion was shared among three layers of government, Between  1999 -2007 with nothing significant to show for it.

Much of it ended up in fat foreign accounts of many government officials. Our yearly budget is said to be long on figures but very short on delivery. Much of the national budget is deployed to service shadowy oil subsidy.

From pension scandal to the National Assembly whose members earn the highest salary in the world by public officials for doing nothing, we are completely thrown up new role models.

Jankara Judgment

From one amusing judgment after another, the judiciary which ordinarily should be the last hope of the common man is now also entrapped in a game of musical chairs, making mockery of our criminal justice system. This is hardly inspiring.

Any one with big bucks is likely to get a judgment which amount to mere tap on the wrist no matter is offence. The billionaire thieves buy their freedom while the petty thieves who can not pay, face harsh penalty.

Even when we manage to convict a fraction, they live like Colombia’s Pasco Escobar in prison. They are hosted to lavish thanksgiving and parties after their jail term. Their trial is usually a show as supporters are clad in different aso ebi each time they appear in court.

What a paradox? It is only those who steal goats, chicken and pencils that face the guillotine in Nigeria. Those who steal in billion not only walk freely but are protected

By state funded security personnel.

At present the nation seats on a time bomb as a result of insurgency in the north which the security agencies have been unable to quell. We must resolve the Boko Haram insurgency through a carrot and sticks approach in order to ensure it does not engulf the country.

Like a festering sore, it is capable of spreading to all part of the country if not properly handled. By playing ostrich we seem to be making the idea of taking up arms more attractive to our citizens.

Conclusion

We need to urgently brace up with our investigation and prosecution of culprits of all the unresolved murders.

Government across the country must brace up to provide jobs to our teeming number of unemployed youth. We must create an enabling environment for our industry to thrive so that they can provide jobs and further stimulate the economy.

We need to urgently tackle corruption which is virtually destroying the social fabric of our society and bring culprits to book so as not to make it attractive.

We must eschew the rise of Jankara judgment oozing out from our courts. Because once the judiciary fails, the road to Liberia or Somalia is here. We must prevent our citizens from resorting to self help and
embracing anarchy.
Change Agents In An Emerging Democratic Process (1)