Human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Femi Falana, says it is pertinent for the Federal Government to implement the recommendations of the Ambassador Usman Galtimari Committee on insurgency in the North-East. He spoke with journalist
The Federal Government’s declaration of a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa has generated controversy.Why are you in support of the declaration of emergency rule in these states?
Frankly speaking, the controversy over the declaration of a state of emergency is totally unnecessary. It is indisputable that terrorists, kidnappers and other armed gangs have taken over the monopoly of violence in several parts of the country. As far as I am concerned, a state of emergency ought to have been declared in some of those states long before now. In less than three years, we have lost 4,000 people and properties worth over N2trn to terrorists and other nihilists. The government has a duty to guarantee the security of life and property in the country. That is the basis of the emergency rule.
Would you say that this is the best approach to tackling the insurgency?
It is not the best approach. After all, a state of emergency was partially declared in 15 local governments in Borno, Yobe, Niger and Plateau in January 2012 and was lifted in July, 2012. But the situation has since degenerated to near anarchy. So, the imposition of emergency rule alone cannot wipe out terrorism.
To what extent do you think that the state of emergency will solve the problem?
Emergency rule cannot end the activities of insurgents as we have seen in Algeria, Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries prone to terrorism. I continue to insist that the Federal Government has to implement the recommendations of the Ambassador Usman Galtimari Committee on insurgency in the North-East. Since a White Paper was issued on the report in June 2012, the Federal Government is under an obligation to faithfully implement the recommendations. The issues covered in the report pertain to the genesis of the Boko Haram sect, the lack of education and unemployment which drive young and innocent people to the sect. The solutions suggested by the committee, which were accepted by the government, include the prosecution of the politicians who set up the groups for the purpose of terrorising their political opponents during elections. The report of the Sheikh Ahmed Lemu Presidential Panel on the post-election violence in the North in 2011 is by far more profound in terms of suggestions or far-reaching solutions to the crisis of corruption, abuse of office, illegal dissolution of local government structures, illegal salaries paid to legislators, abuse of security votes etc and the prosecution of the 626 suspects apprehended by the police during the riots and recommendation for compensation for the dependants of the 943 people who lost their lives. The panel tasked the government to create jobs, regulate religious rallies and preaching, rebuild churches that were burnt, give certificates of occupancy to religious bodies which have been denied in some Northern states. The government has to adopt a stick and carrot approach to win the war on terror. While intensifying the activities of the JTF the Federal Government has to implement the reports of both Galtimari and Lemu committees on terrorism and political violence in the North. The reports are also applicable and relevant to the resolution of the crisis of political violence, kidnapping and other violent crimes in other parts of the country.
With the declaration of a state of emergency in the three states, what do you think should happen to the Presidential Committee on Amnesty?
The committee may still be relevant since the government has adopted a carrot and stick approach. In other words, while the war against terror is being intensified, terrorists who are ready to embrace dialogue will have to contact the committee. But since the members of the Boko Haram sect have rejected amnesty, it is doubtful if any of them will genuinely embrace dialogue.
Do you think that the Nigeria Police and other security agencies have the capability to fight insurgency and other security challenges confronting the country?
Our armed forces and the police have not been trained in guerrilla warfare and counter-terrorism. That has prolonged the war on terror up till now. With the budget crisis which has not been resolved, it is doubtful if the huge budget for national security has been disbursed for the training and acquisition of vital equipment to prosecute the war. With respect, it does not appear that the Nigeria Police and other security agencies are prepared to fight insurgency, terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes. Hence, in the last 14 years, no fewer than 25,000 Nigerians have been killed in ethno-religious violent eruptions while the security forces look helpless. It is not their fault as the Federal Government cannot meaningfully police the country from Abuja. In other words, central policing is a huge joke. Unless state governments, in alliance with local governments, are empowered to protect the citizens within their jurisdictions, we shall continue to pay lip service to the issue of security of life and property in Nigeria.
Many have argued for and against state police, what is your take?
In asking for state policing, I do believe that some of our governors will abuse the process; but such fear can be taken care of if we democratise the police. The police councils at the federal and state levels should be constituted by representatives of credible professional bodies and other respected civil society organisations who will be independent of any authority but committed to the security of life and property of all and sundry. Those who are afraid that state police may be abused should equally be worried that the Nigeria Police Force has been hijacked by the ruling party to the detriment of law and order in the society.
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