Unhealthy Governance Fuels Nigeria’s Security Crisis – Political Science Association President

In this interview with ABDULLAHI OLESIN, the National President of the Nigeria Political Science Association (NPSA), Prof. Hassan Saliu examines Nigeria’s worsening security situation, attributing the persistent challenges to what he describes as an unhealthy governance environment.

How would you assess the current state of insecurity in Nigeria?

If there is any issue confronting the country that has exposed its level of vulnerability, it is the unending insecurity situation. People have asked: What has happened to Nigeria, once a restorer of order in other African countries? Why has it become a disappointing entity that cannot guarantee its own stability, to the extent of negotiating with its tormentors?

Accounting for this unfortunate situation is a huge task on my part, more so as it has warranted foreign intervention in the country’s domestic affairs.

What are the major factors driving the prevailing insecurity across the country?

One of the issues that has contributed to the prevailing insecurity is the unhealthy governance environment that has persisted over the years. Every year, funds are earmarked for projects that are never executed, yet leaders show no shame about it. As a result, many citizens no longer see the government as their own, leading to increased attachment to extremist preaching. This situation is further worsened by the display of affluence by political actors.

Gradually, the bond between the state and the citizens has weakened, creating a readiness among some individuals to support terrorists and bandits.

Another critical factor is the way politics is played in the country. Politicians desperate for power are often willing to cross any boundary to achieve their objectives. In their quest to capture power, they reach out to all manner of individuals, including agents of destruction, thereby creating and sustaining the monster of insecurity.

There is also the dangerous assumption that terrorists and bandits are “our people” who must be protected. This mindset has resulted in a lack of consensus on how to confront and deal decisively with these elements.

The religious mix in the country further complicates the situation. Some individuals believe that acts of violence promote a particular religion and that those perpetrating them must not be eliminated.

The state itself is weak and compromised in the discharge of its duties. There are numerous accounts of the military being prevented from effectively neutralising agents of insecurity, leading to the emergence of fifth columnists who supply intelligence to terrorists and bandits.

Fighting insecurity has also become a lucrative venture for some, with those connected to the process benefiting financially without facing any sanctions.

In addition, there appears to be a lack of seriousness in ending the war, given the extensive networks of support enjoyed by agents of insecurity.

Foreign interests are also involved, which the state has been unable to confront effectively, particularly as bandits facilitate illegal mining activities across parts of the country.

Overall, Nigeria appears to be fighting a war it least understands.

As insecurity deepens its impact across critical sectors of the country, to what extent has political will influenced the effectiveness of responses, particularly in the handling, transparency and accountability of security votes?

The raging regime of insecurity in Nigeria is unfortunate and harbours worrisome developments for the country beyond the imagination of the government. One of these is the loss of Nigeria’s continental standing in Africa. Another is that the country may be ripe for subversive activities instigated from across its borders.

National unity and cohesion may come under severe attack, while secessionist agitations could intensify. Past gains in external relations may be lost, and Nigerians may be weakened in their resolve to support the state, among other far-reaching consequences.

What would you recommend as solutions to the security challenges?

The country’s politics requires a fundamental adjustment to entrench responsible governance and a commitment to decorum. The current carefree attitude towards the welfare of Nigerians must change. There is money in the country, but it is not evenly distributed. The orientation of all governments should be towards catering to the needs of the people.

Nigeria, in its present circumstances, is in bad shape, with too many soul-killing policies being churned out by the state, leaving citizens increasingly impoverished. There is a need for elite consensus on the security situation so that all stakeholders can work from the same page. Hardly anything meaningful can be achieved without such consensus.

There is also a need to purge the military to flush out bad eggs. Greater accountability is required to make the war against insecurity meaningful. Sponsors of insecurity must be identified and dealt with decisively to serve as a deterrent to others. To encourage citizens’ buy-in, people-oriented policies should be pursued, while ostentatious living in government should be reduced.

Fairness and justice across all tribes and regions will go a long way in winning the hearts of Nigerians. The state must also demonstrate the capacity to rein in foreign nationals involved in Nigeria’s insecurity. Corruption in the prosecution of the war against insecurity must be confronted decisively by punishing those found culpable.

Lowering the tempo of political campaigns ahead of the next elections and focusing attention on addressing the grinding poverty in the land are crucial. More research is also required to fully understand the multiple dimensions of Nigeria’s insecurity.