Introduction to Insecurity in Nigeria
A former Commissioner for Lands and Survey in Benue, Mr John Tondu, says frustrating Local Government administration contributes to worsening insecurity across the country. Tondu, a former governorship aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said full autonomy for local governments was the only lasting solution to Nigeria’s security challenges.
The Role of Local Government in Security
Speaking in Abuja, he said that deliberately stifling grassroots governance has left communities vulnerable to violent attacks and criminal activities. “Today, most of the time, the governors will blame the Federal Government, and the reasons for blaming the Federal Government will be that the Federal Government is the one in control of security agencies. A lot of them will clamour and advocate for independent policing at state levels, but the real issue of security, today, if the governors decide that there should be no insecurity in this country, there will be no insecurity.
The Importance of Local Government Autonomy
“The reason is very simple: the third tier of government, which is the local government, is not working. The president, in his own wisdom, through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, went to court to grant autonomy to the local government system. So, if today the 36 governors come together for the interest of the citizens of the country whom they have elected to serve them, insecurity will end. As long as the third tier of government is not properly functioning, the insecurity, no matter what efforts the security agencies will put in, they will not be able to address this issue of insecurity.”
The Need for Functional Local Councils
According to him, local governments are closest to the people and should be the first line of response to emerging threats, but state governors have continued to undermine their operations. “The president has done his part. He went to court and secured a judgment. In a democracy, he cannot compel governors to obey, citizens must now take up the fight,” he said. Tondu urged Nigerians to amplify the president’s efforts and demand accountability from their state governments to restore functionality to the third tier of government.
The Risks of State Police
On the issue of state police, Tondu warned against handing security control to governors, saying many lack the temperament to manage such responsibility without abusing it. “The push for state police is just an excuse to hound political opponents, if allowed, it will destroy democracy. Nigeria is not ripe for that kind of power structure,” he cautioned. He argued that rather than state police, functional local councils with proper funding and grassroots intelligence capacity would provide a more effective solution to insecurity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the issue of insecurity in Nigeria is complex and multifaceted. However, according to Mr John Tondu, the key to addressing this issue lies in granting full autonomy to local governments. This would enable them to respond effectively to emerging threats and provide a more effective solution to insecurity. It is imperative that citizens demand accountability from their state governments to restore functionality to the third tier of government.
FAQs
Q: What is the main cause of insecurity in Nigeria according to Mr John Tondu?
A: The main cause of insecurity in Nigeria is the frustrating Local Government administration.
Q: What is the solution to Nigeria’s security challenges according to Mr John Tondu?
A: The solution to Nigeria’s security challenges is full autonomy for local governments.
Q: Why does Mr John Tondu oppose the idea of state police?
A: Mr John Tondu opposes the idea of state police because he believes many governors lack the temperament to manage such responsibility without abusing it.
