 has disregarded recent claims by some unknown groups calling for the imposing of emergency rule in Zamfara){kind=link}
The achievements of Nigerian Defense Forces should be acknowledged and celebrated rather than undermined by calls for emergency measures that could further destabilize the region
The Arewa Youth Vanguard (AYV) has disregarded recent claims by some unknown groups calling for the imposing of emergency rule in Zamfara State and seeking the resignation of Badaru Abubakar, the senior Defence Minister.
Such demands, according to AYV coordinator Lawal Dantala Mani’s statement from yesterday in Abuja, betray a basic ignorance of the mechanics of security governance in Nigeria and are hence incorrect.
It stated that some people are clearly trying to use the victories of the Nigerian Defense Forces as a stepping stone to higher political office, without thinking about how their actions will affect the government they work for or the country’s security.
The group argued that the successes of the Nigerian Defense Forces should be recognized and appreciated, not threatened with more regional instability by demands for emergency rule.
The statement reads, “First and foremost, we challenge the writers of the statements to elucidate the precise authority over Nigeria’s security assets. It is imperative to understand that the command and control of the Army, Police, and other security agencies fall solely under the purview of the federal government.
“This fundamental structure of governance is enshrined in our constitution, and it is therefore, disconcerting for a high-ranking defence official casting doubt on the established framework that governs our national security.
“Is the plight of the people in Zamfara more significant than that of their compatriots in these states, who have endured similar or even more severe security threats? Such selective attention to regions in distress undermines the collective struggle of all Nigerians against insecurity and sends a troubling message about the motives behind these calls.
“It is worth noting that the narrative surrounding security in Nigeria is not as bleak as some would have us believe. The recent improvements in security across many parts of Northern Nigeria, including the Kaduna-Abuja highway, where citizens can now travel without the paralysing fear that once gripped them, is a testament to the efforts of our security forces.
“These achievements should be acknowledged and celebrated rather than undermined by calls for emergency measures that could further destabilize the region.”