A lecturer in the department of Peace and security studies of Modibbo Adama University Yola (MAUTY),Dr Saheed Owonikoko said 2019 Carryovers activities of Boko Haram insurgents,Banditry,kidnappers may likely to continue posing serious security threats in the 2020 if the federal government fail to give national security a priority.
According to him the country in 2019 witness high level of security threat orchestrated by bandits, kidnappers, Boko Haram insurgents,Herders/Farmers clashes,Tiv/Jukun Communal fights among others may likely to continue into the new year.
Confirming his point of view,Saheed said On January 2, some parts of Adamawa State came under intense attack of Boko Haram but they were repelled by the Nigeria soldiers.
“In his new year message, the president has reminded us that as the Commander-in-Chief, it is his primary responsibility to provide security for all Nigerians. In the new year, addressing these security challenges will be a major task of the government.” Saheed said
He also revealed that the 2020 year will battle with so many unresolved critical issues that were not resolved in 2019 and will continue to be major issues for deliberation and action in 2020. These issues include, rule of law, economy and international relation especially between Nigeria and other African countries.
On the rule of law, Dr Owonikoko said the government of President Buhari has been criticised for disobeying court orders. Court orders to release Sowore, Dasuki and El Zakzaky were flagrantly disobeyed.
“Towards the end of the year, federal government ordered the release of Sowore and Dasuki on a “compassionate” ground but continue to detain el Zakzaky. In his new year message, President Buhari said the actions of his government will be guided by respect for rule of law.
“This has triggered Femi Falana, lawyer to El-Zakzaky to write to the president to honour court order releasing El-Zakzaky in the spirit of rule of law.” He added
Dr Saheed in his chat with our correspondent in Yola sounded serious,calling the attention of the political leaders to prioritise security and allow the rule of law to take its full course on people,not minding whose goat is gored as it is the only way Peace and Justice will be a friend to everyone in the country.
