The state government has been able to rebuild houses and shops of citizens that has been destroyed, compensated traders, paid out cash compensations to some families as well as bought vehicles to those that had theirs destroyed or burnt by the military [federal security].

The revival of the state should continue with additional vigilance over the security issues confronting the state. Apart from notable abuses, there is the preponderance of criminalities and a rise in thefts.   These are problems that are very much tied down to the failure of those entrusted to safeguard lives and properties to perform their duty. Often residents cannot differentiate between criminals and law enforcers as they both deploy the same method of approach in their operations.

In an effort to win the war against terror, there must be a concomitant effort to win the hearts and minds of the people whose security is of paramount concern to the authorities. But there is much to be desired from the current method deployed by those tasked to fight terrorism in Maiduguri and many view their operations with suspect. It is agreed that they have put their lives in the face of danger to protect residents, but that does not mean that they turn against innocent citizens and attack them on the slightest provocation by criminals. The duty they are performing is essential and that was what they have voluntarily agreed to do and should we face any external aggression any able bodied citizen can even be equally conscripted to serve his fatherland.  So the people of Maiduguri as citizens do not deserve to be maltreated by the military in their own country.

Soldiers who perform their duties creditably and defend their citizens are usually treated as heroes by their people who line up the streets to greet them with garlands.  But I wonder if the present men who wear our uniform who unleash terror on citizens would receive such reception.  It is not too late though for them to have a change of tactics that would ensure that they target suspects only, allowing residents and passers-by enjoy their peace. It is expected that by creating the enabling environment to weed the chaff from the wheat they can succeed in overcoming the terrorists, win the heart of the people and restore sanity, law and order. That is the wish of all well-meaning citizens of Borno today and always.

 

 

 

 (c) The Optimist Voice. Al rights reserved

 

NIGERIA NEWS

 

The Borno Security Challenges

Abba B. Shuwa …November 19, 2011

Much as our governor has shown interest in rejuvenating the state and taking it out from its present state of perpetual insecurity, it is also appropriate that the federal authorities complement his efforts by ensuring that its own presence is felt by the people. It is disturbing to note the near total neglect of Borno State by the federal government, both in terms of federal projects as well as creating job opportunities.

In a democratic dispensation it is foolhardy to assume that you have to belong to the party at the control of central government for you to have access to federal attention. Going by the words and letters of the oath of office sworn to by political office holders during the swearing in ceremony, it is incumbent on them to be fair and just in running the affairs of their office and treat all citizens equally irrespective of political affiliation, creed, color, religion etc.

In view of the notable absence of federal attention to Borno State - except of course in the area of deployment of security personnel which further contributes to drain the little resources at the disposal of the state - it is the opinion of most citizens that the federal authorities should consider funding and maintaining the security personnel it has deployed through the ministry of defense i.e. take the burden off the state government. The provision of defense and security falls within the ambit of the federal government. Furthermore efforts must be made to recover any amount spent on security from the federal authorities so far, in order to channel such funds towards the developmental needs of Borno State.

The method and approach of federal security personnel in containing the Borno security challenges should also be re-examined. The brutal nature of the security personnel does not allow for cooperation from the people who view them as bullies, and their approach draconian. To win the minds of the people they need to be more focused on their drive toward arresting those who cause trouble and not resort to random attacks on neighborhoods in the pursuit of phantom culprits.

Another area abused by federal security in dealing with the situation in Maiduguri is the way in which people's rights are violated on the road. Traffic rules must be obeyed by all, including uniformed personnel.  But the manner in which the security drive along the major roads and apparently in a confrontational manner is worrisome. Often times they are seen driving along the wrong lane, expecting motorists to clear the way for them. Failing which means subjecting drivers to various inhumane treatments such as hitting drivers with lashes or making them to do frog jumps, or roll on the ground.

The revival of the state and more importantly the capital Maiduguri is on course as the government is determined to ensure that law abiding citizens who fell victim to federal security brutality were compensated by the state government.