In this interview, a former Legal Director, Nigeria Army Services, Col. (Dr) Abayomi Dare rted, who is a lawyer and a Security consultant, spoke with Afrikanwatch Network Acting Head of News and Strategy, Chidera Faith Ekeh, last week at Dolphin Estate, Lagos, on security issues and what needs to be done to salvage the situation. Col. Dare who said that, the security situation in the country is alarming and worrisome, however hoped that, with synergy from all quarters especially from International communities with military aids, Nigeria will be secure again.
-November 15, 2022,News/Interview
Excerpts
Sir, some views say, Bandits, terrorists seem more superior to security forces in the country
If I understand what you’re talking about. Are you talking about security architecture in Nigeria being inferior to bandits and how they have striked? Well, I don’t agree with that. Nigeria is still a great country, even as it faces security challenges . For instance, the Nigerian Armed forces is one of the best in the world and their efforts are been commended globally . Now, what we are experiencing in the country is a different ball game, and politics have played negative role in all these crisis. I think it is one of the reasons militating against the efforts put in by our gallant officers fighting these terrorists and bandits. So, to say or to use the word inferior, I don’t think it’s right.
L-R, Col. Dare retd presenting Afrikanwatch lifetime achievement Award to a former Minister of Agriculture and water Resource,Otunba Bamidele Dada,OON early this year in Lagos
Politics in military
You know we are in a democratic dispensation-political era and everything is narrowed down to political decisions. That is, everything has to be subjected to the whims and caprices of our political leaders, and that is what am talk about. Political will power is lacking within the political class..
Military regime & democratic regime
Well, it all depends but I will say without mixing words that democracy is a better form of government, because it is a government for all and that is what we should advocate, even as it is believed in some quarters that we have subjected ourselves against democracy. However, our democracy is a working in progress and I believe that as time passes, we will get there.
FG and alleged funds spent to fight insecurity
Well that’s a very interesting question Chidera. I agree that, the current State of Nigeria is enveloped by corruption with bad leaders. Few years back, millions were spent in just cutting grass and funds meant for ammunitions as alleged were diverted into private pockets.It’s really a sad commentary. We need transparency and accountability from all the government officials.
Elections around the north and south
Well that is objective but I believe that with determination and will-power, we will have a successful election in 2023. That is my believe.
Is Nigeria fighting a guerrilla warfare
If Nigeria is fighting a guerrilla warfare,well the type of warfare been fought now especially the insurgence, Boko Haram is not a conventional war but an asymmetric warfare which is not unconventional, so, they are no defined boundaries, just pocket insurgence striking here and there. Yes, I think we are fighting a guerrilla warfare and it’s a warfare we should try to cope with and solve collectively.
The attack in Abuja: the reaction of The US,UK
It is unfortunate that such ordeal happened. But I don’t think it is the right way and manner US and UK approached it.One would have expected that they should have shared codely security alert with our Security Forces so that they can join hands to tackle the situation rather than just making it as if the whole world was going to collapse in Nigeria. Mind you, I am not in anyway saying that, what is going on in Nigeria as regard to insurgency and terrorism is right, no. Nigeria needs support from all angle not people creating panic. We need the US and UK to partner with the country and provide financial and military aids to fight the war against insurgency.
Should the priority of the FG and CBN be on the redesign of naira note
There is nothing wrong in redesigning the naira. I believe Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had reasons for coming out with such idea at this political era, and Mr. President is fully in support. Dont’ forget that CBN is the only authority that can regulate money and this is election period where cash are stucked by political leaders. So, I trust CBN of the way to checkamte bulk cash of corrupt people.
Any advice for the coming president on how to tackle insecurity
There should be a line and let the military run by forfeiting the politics in the military and whatever is meant for the military should go to them, because they are the people at the forefront for the nation,and they must be motivated and encouraged for their service to nationhood. The total warefare of the military and other paramilitary should be adequately taken care of.
Is there anything you will like to add sir
I commend Afrikanwatch Network Communications. I want to personally commend you, Chidera, and your Editor -in- chief, for the efforts so far in maintaining and sustaining media professionalism.
