“Urgent Plea: Asake, Mark, and Others Urge Government to Tackle Rising Insecurity Now!”
With the 2027 general elections drawing near, Nigerians have voiced worries regarding the escalating frequency of attacks in various regions of the nation and in Kaduna state, attributing this to security agencies and the Nigerian administration for what they termed “complete negligence of their constitutional duty to safeguard the lives and properties of the populace.”
In Kaduna State, especially Southern Kaduna, persistent assaults by militants have persisted, leading to fatalities, the kidnapping of many individuals, and the dislocation of thousands. This has sparked significant apprehensions that numerous citizens might be unable to cast their votes for the candidates of their preference in the 2027 elections.
Govt indifferent towards insecurity – Asake
Labour Party’s gubernatorial nominee in the 2023 Kaduna State election, Mr. Jonathan Asake, in an exclusive conversation with NAIJATAB remarked that the current administration is largely unconcerned about the well-being of the populace. He indicated it is primarily focused on devising ways to manipulate the elections and cling to power.
He stated, “This administration is not contemplating the impacts of insecurity on the citizens. If they were, they would adopt a more serious approach to address the insecurity in the state and the nation overall. Historically, in regions stricken by insecurity, election outcomes were proclaimed from those areas without any scrutiny.
“That encapsulates the type of society we inhabit today. Hence, would it astonish you that no governmental official, at any tier, is troubled by insecurity? Citizens can continue to be killed, abducted, or uprooted from their homes; it does not concern them because they possess alternative means to reinstate themselves into power. They are not preparing for elections; they are preparing to manipulate elections and reclaim power.”
He expressed sorrow that elected officials are not advocating for the issues confronting the populace, asserting that the situation in Kaduna State is so dire that ordinary citizens are experiencing an increasingly challenging existence.
He added, “What do you say when we are heading towards a single-party system while other political factions are being sidelined? There is no allure in democracy when individuals are coerced into a singular political party. The essence of democracy lies in presenting the populace with options among various political factions, ensuring elections are free, fair, and credible, allowing citizens to make an informed choice.
“Given the trajectory towards a single-party system, I regret to say our democracy may soon perish,” he remarked.
They are being honored for their silence – Mark Jacob
A former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Kaduna State, Mark Jacob, informed
NAIJATAB that while the administration asserts there is complete tranquility in the state, anyone who expresses dissent is frequently accused of opposing the government.
He continued, “We have representatives in the State House of Assembly and the National Assembly from the communities where these assaults transpire daily. Their fundamental responsibility is to articulate these concerns, yet they remain silent. Oddly, they are being rewarded with 4+4. I cannot comprehend how representatives who neglect to voice their constituents’ concerns can still receive accolades. It perplexes me greatly.
“Those currently in political roles are not anticipating any elections. I doubt they wish to conduct any elections. If they truly did, this year should be the one where they are proactive. This year they ought to be at their peak in guaranteeing peace in the state, specifically by ensuring safety for all citizens, thus enabling individuals to freely participate in the elections.
“With the ongoing attacks resulting in fatalities, injuries, and displacements, it signifies that there is no genuine preparation for any elections.”
Jacob, a former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), contended that, considering the present conditions, what might transpire next year could be not an election but merely an appointment or endorsement, with those in authority simply proclaiming themselves victors.
He argued that if the administration was genuinely preparing for a credible election next year, it would focus on significantly alleviating the problems of hunger, poverty, and insecurity facing the populace.
He remarked, “The approach of this administration is that no one should raise concerns regarding it. This is the unspoken rule of those in political positions. It is startling that such a practice has become the norm of the current administration. The representatives of the government are those in political office, and if they have implemented a policy of silence, then we are not gearing up for elections.
“Those in governance know the appropriate actions to take, and security agencies are aware of their responsibilities. A scenario where security personnel wait for an attack to transpire before pursuing the attackers, or where security agencies disseminate false information about rescuing kidnapped individuals, is disgraceful. It is unacceptable that we are politicking with the lives of Nigerians. How is it conceivable for security forces to claim they have saved kidnapped persons, only for the victims’ relatives to refute such assertions?”
Govt must act promptly – Usman
A security specialist, Mr. Salisu Usman, asserted that many leaders show little regard for the interests of the populace. He informed NAIJATAB that the only concern for politicians is doing everything possible to regain power in 2027, regardless of the challenges ordinary citizens face.
He mentioned, “It reflects the level of ignorance, particularly in the northern regions, where individuals continue to praise those they perceive as close to them, irrespective of the ramifications for their community. Politicians have perceived their constituents well, and consequently, those in power hardly take matters seriously, thereby acting according to their whims.”
He emphasized that the government must take immediate action to ensure that ordinary citizens are afforded the chance to exercise their voting rights and select candidates of their choice.
He noted that the government needs to be more attentive to the needs of the populace by ensuring adequate security, enabling individuals to carry on with their regular activities and fulfill their civic duties.
The APC administration has persistently maintained that all security issues are being addressed and that the safety of Nigerians remains their utmost priority.
