By Kolawole Ojebisi
Former senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has called on the Federal Government to make its actions match its words in the ongoing war against banditry and terrorism in the country.
Sani said organising summits and conferences on security without concrete results is frustrating, stressing that Nigerians are tired of government’s tough but perfunctory speeches.
The former lawmaker spoke on Channels Television on Thursday.
According to Sani Nigeria needs improved strategy, technology, and proper funding to fight and win the war.
He said, “We have had enough talk shops. What we need now is action and results,”
Sani expressed fear that Nigeria’s fragile democracy may collapse like it was witnessed in neighbouring African countries like Niger and Mali without prompt and sustained attack against terrorists.
“This is not just about Nigeria alone,” he said.
Sani continued, “Countries like Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso are also facing the same challenges.
“In fact, part of the reason why military coups happened in those countries is because their civilian governments failed to tackle insecurity.”
Though the activist lamented that the terrorists now use advanced technology like drones to execute their nefarious activities, he expressed optimism that Nigeria is too big to be overrun by a ragtag army of insurgents.
“No terrorist group can overrun Nigeria,” he said. “But if we don’t destroy them, they will continue to bleed this country.”
On funding, Sani questioned the huge amounts of money allocated to defense in the annual budget without matching results.
“If you look at the defense budget, Nigeria is spending more than almost all the West African countries combined. But we are still not safe. That means the money is either not being used well or someone is profiting from it,” he said.
“Money for the military should be used for those on the battlefield, not for the wives of army officers,” he maintained.
He said the National Assembly has a role to play through its oversight functions.
However, he also praised the current administration for some of the progress made in curbing attacks, especially in Kaduna, Abuja, and parts of Borno State.
According to him, “the Abuja-Kaduna road and train line, which used to be hotspots for kidnapping, are now more secure due to improved security presence”.
He also raised concerns about how some retired military officers are allegedly involved in crime or are helping criminal elements, which he said was a dangerous trend.
“Imagine a retired officer training criminals or sharing insider information. That’s a serious problem,” he said.
Sani concluded by urging the government to be firm and focused in fighting insecurity.
“A country of 230 million people cannot be held hostage by a few thousand terrorists. We have to win this war,” he said.
He added:“Nigeria has what it takes to defeat terrorism. Our military has restored peace in other African countries, so we should not be losing this battle at home.”
