A Response To Governor Aminu Masari's Comment
"It is Islamically allowed for one to defend himself (sic), his family and assets. If you die while trying to defend yourself, you'll be considered a Martyr."
The above comment was attributed to His Excellency, Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina state. As reported yesterday by Sahara Reporters, the Governor urged the residents of the state to 'brace up against the ravaging bandits, noting that they (the residents) will become Martyrs if they die in the battle with the terror - group'. Without being malice against the Governor, he has just shown insensitiveness to the insecurity of his state.
Like other states of the federation, Katsina has not also been spared from the prevailing insecurity bedeviling our country. Bandits today. Gunmen tomorrow. Insurgents in the north. And, kidnappers and herdsmen in the east and south. This is just the thread. And, it seems unchecked.
For a sitting governor, the Chief Security Officer of a state, to have uttered such statement, it has shown the government's admittance of being incapacitated on his mandate. The Governor had just inadvertently appraised his failure to deliver his constitutional, obligatory and fundamental responsibility: The provision of maximum security for the state; for the people and for property. Perhaps, it would have been more honorable if the Governor had tendered his resignation letter immediately after this comment. Because his inability to get the state under his control secured should not turn the state to a battlefield or warfront. Sadly, Katsina for that matter! The home state of Nigeria President. Well though, the President himself had rebuffed state police and any attempt towards decentralization of security architecture of the country. However, it is now evident that the current security system we have has been jeopardised and consequently failed we the people!
The Governor, Aminu Masari, also decried that security personnel available in the state are not enough and therefore hapless citizens within the state should confront and defend themselves. First, if I may ask, defend themselves with what? With Machetes or local rifles in the face of pump action guns and sophisticated weapons in the hands of those constituting the banditry? Furthermore, if the terrorists are eventually eliminated, how do the state plan to get the weapons which the Governor advised for the citizens recovered from them? Will this method not cause more threat and death in the state particularly? If Mr Governor is truly more genuine about the lives of his helpless people, wouldn't be more sensible to declare State of Emergency instead of putting the sacred lives of people at more stake?
Pointedly, I must say the Governor was not being sincere. Perhaps, he is one of the first class enjoy full protection with armed security men and women. He is also among those that drive around the state in convoy with heavy security escorts with tax payers' fund. His Excellency also has free access to different public security outfits: Police, Army, DSS and private security personnel. With all these with him alone, it wouldn't be any concern if residents have to face their fears fiercely. Anyway, inasmuch as the security of Mr Aminu Masari is concerned to me, the Governor must be protected with full- force, even when at the detriment of citizens security. To the Governor, it is the citizens' responsibility to protect themselves from banditry attacks. And that should be shameful.
If perhaps shortage of security personnel is the contention, will I also implore the Governor to be benevolent enough to cut- down the number of security men attached to him, his office and other big men/ cash madam in the state to enable the state has more personnel on ground for general maximum security for all.
Alternatively, other factors which government must take curious look to curb the ugly menace are the level of education and rate of unemployment. Any sociey where these two factors are low, crimes and criminalities are inevitable. Therefore, government should brace up and be proactive to eradicate the high level of unemployment rate and equipped the young individuals in the state with quality education so as to contain the phenomenon of insecurity. At least, the people elected the leaders to protect them; not the other way round.
An undergraduate in Lagos State University. Can be reached via; [email protected]
© Damilare Adeleye