ADC Chieftain Criticizes Leaders Over Rising Insecurity

The National Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Dr Chike Okogwu, has lambasted Nigeria’s approach to tackling insecurity, warning that military intervention alone cannot solve the country’s security crisis.

“Effective governance, accountability, justice and strong leadership are key to achieving sustainable peace,” Okogwu said in an article titled “The Man, The Rottweilers and The Marauders: Nigeria Can’t Afford to Keep Holding the Leash.”
He said despite sacrifices by security personnel fighting terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes, insecurity still persists, fueled by governance failures, corruption, intelligence gaps and political interference.

Okogwu compared the situation to a wealthy estate owner who refused to let his trained Rottweiler dogs loose as looters attacked his property. “Nigeria’s security forces are frequently asked to produce results while operating under severe constraints,” he said.

“The dogs are the security forces and the owner is the political leadership. “Sometimes men and women on the frontlines are asked to win battles with restrictions, insufficient support, conflicting directives and political interference,” he said.
Security, he said, should not be seen only as a military task but as a national challenge that must be handled through coordinated efforts of all government institutions and society.

“Security cannot be purchased with weapons. Security requires good governance, economic opportunity, trust in community, technology, intelligence and justice. “Most importantly, security needs leadership,” he said.

Okogwu also expressed concern about the devastating effect of insecurity on the PWDs, saying that attacks and displacement put them at greater risks due to their limited mobility and support systems.

“The fast acceptance of violence as a normal thing in life is a great danger to the future of Nigeria,” he said.

“The most dangerous thing in front of us is not simply the continuation of violence. “The biggest danger is that violence becomes normal, that we believe nothing can change,” he cautioned.

The ADC chieftain urged leaders at all levels to strengthen institutions, improve accountability, support security agencies and adopt a comprehensive strategy to restore public confidence and secure the country.