ACF National Publicity Secretary, Mr Anthony Sani
The
National Publicity Secretary of the apex socio-political group of the
North, Arewa Consultative Forum, Anthony Sani, tells LEKE BAIYEWU, why
the region rejects the state of emergency declared by the President
Why does the ACF think the state of emergency in the northern states might not work?
The state of emergency might not work
because of our past experiences when state of emergency was applied in
Plateau State, and later in some local government areas in the
North-East that never worked.
Moreover, what happened in Baga was
actually the use of force, which did not go down well with many
Nigerians and the international community because they thought excessive
use of force tends to inspire more extremism than solve the problems of
insurgency. ACF thinks that since state of emergency amounts to mere
increase in the use of force, it may not work concurrently with
dialogue. The forum prefers that the committee in place be given a
chance by both governments and Nigerians.
But many believe military intervention is the best solution to the recurrent terrorists’ attacks in those areas?
Those who believe military option can
work are too quick to forget the fact that military was used in 2009 and
700 members including the leader of the sect were killed. Yet, the sect
has remained unbowed.
They also forget the experiences of Baga
and the controversy that has come with it. But since the government,
which has more facts than those of us in the ring side, believes the
fight against terrorism is multidimensional and has gone ahead to
declare state of emergency amid dialogue, I think Nigerians have no
choice but to support government’s efforts to succeed in both the state
of emergency and the dialogue that now exist side by side. This is more
so, if it is true that the sect has overrun some local government areas
in those states, thereby making the situation a conventional conflict
with the state. This may be easier to confront formally by the
authority.
Do you see abuse of human rights by military personnel during their operations in the states?
There are rules of engagements for all
military interventions across the globe. Nigeria cannot be an exception
to the rules of the game, considering the recent outcry against the
manner force was applied in Baga. I believe the military is too
intelligent not to know the negative effects of operating outside the
rules of the game.
Do you think military involvement in national assignments such as elections and security is a threat to Nigerian democracy?
Military involvement in national
assignments does not promote democratic culture and attitudes. But what
do you want them to do in situations where democratic institutions are
overwhelmed? If Nigerians do not want military in national assignment,
then they should strengthen the democratic institutions for performance,
as well as make judicious use of their democratic rights as a way of
promoting purposeful leadership.
PUNCH
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