The National Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Dr Chike Okogwu, has slammed Nigeria’s strategy to tackle insecurity, cautioning that military intervention alone cannot resolve the nation’s security crisis.
“Effective governance, accountability, justice and strong leadership are crucial to achieving lasting peace, Okogwu stated in an article titled “The Man, The Rottweilers and The Marauders: Nigeria Cannot Afford to Keep Holding the Leash.”
He said that despite sacrifices by security personnel fighting terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes, insecurity still persists, fueled by governance failures, corruption, intelligence gaps and political interference.
Okogwu drew an analogy with a rich estate owner who declined to unleash his trained Rottweiler dogs while marauders attacked his property. “Nigeria’s security forces are often expected to deliver results while operating under severe constraints,” he said.
“The dogs represent the security forces and the owner represents the political leadership. “Sometimes men and women on the frontlines are expected to win battles while operating under restrictions, inadequate support, conflicting directives and political interference,” he said.
Security, he said, should not be viewed solely as a military task but as a national challenge that needs to be dealt with through coordinated efforts across all government institutions and society.
“You cannot buy security with weapons. Security needs good governance, economic opportunity, trust in community, technology, intelligence and justice. “Most importantly, security requires leadership,” he said.
Okogwu also expressed concern about the devastating effect of insecurity on the PWDs, noting that attacks and displacement put them at greater risks because of their limited mobility and support systems.
“The rapid acceptance of violence as a normal thing in life is a great danger to the future of Nigeria,” he said.
“The most dangerous thing before us is not merely the continuation of violence. “The biggest danger is that violence becomes normal, that we believe nothing can change,” he warned.
The ADC chieftain asked leaders at all levels to strengthen institutions, improve accountability, support security agencies and adopt a comprehensive strategy to restore public confidence and secure the country.
