Still on the end-phase of insurgency and rebuilding the North East (I)

An informed narrative of the challenges facing the country at the moment would definitely be incomplete without a mention of the insurgency and the rehabilitation of the North East. The two issues apparently have serious implications to the traumatized people especially the victims of the insurgency in the region. Also at stake is the credibility of the elected representatives of the people at the Local, State and Federal levels. This is because there is the widely held perception that their elected representatives have failed them as regards pushing for what would have addressed their plight. Definitely, without being told, controversies surrounding the rehabilitation of the North East will have huge political implications for political parties and those aspiring for elected positions in the forthcoming elections. It is against this background that rumours recently that the rebuilding of the North East has fallen into the stormy waters of politics, underfunding and intrigue is being examined.

A very important point to note is, defeating the insurgency and rebuilding the North East are at the centre of the agenda of the ruling APC Government. This underscores the importance of the success of the efforts to the Government of the day. Consequently, the rumors that the rebuilding efforts are being stalled in various aspects are to say the least very disturbing. That is not all, concerns have been expressed over the noninclusion of vital components of an ideal Reconstruction effort into the blue print for rebuilding the Region. This, coupled with the rumours that the activities of bodies charged driving the process have slowed down due to lack of funds has compelled many stakeholders to suggest that, something needs to be done urgently before the government efforts is derailed. The thinking is, more commitment to the effort should be demonstrated. There are mounting agitations that some critical initiatives should be incorporated into the rehabilitation effort as was done in the case of the Niger Delta if the desired results are to be achieved. It should be noted that, despite the fears being expressed the region is consoled by the fact that the Federal Government definitely cannot be blamed for the delayed take off and commitment to rebuild the North East. Some of the problems currently faced are self-inflicted. Regardless, the time is now for the various constraints militating against the takeoff and sustaining the tempo of the rehabilitation efforts be removed in earnest. Happily, the expectations of the people of the North East are high because of the belief that President Muhammadu Buhari is very passionate about rebuilding the Region. He has time and again restated this commitment as could be seen in his appeal to the President of the World Bank recently that was widely misconstrued. Nothing must therefore stand in his way to achieve the plans to rebuild the North East. Beyond this, is the fact that the fortune of politicians and parties especially those hoping to win future elections in the region hinges to some extent on the rehabilitation effort should down on them that this is the time to redeem their credibility. Without doubt, the success or otherwise of rehabilitating the North East will definitely become a major campaign issue which determine the fate of political parties and aspirants.

Some keen watchers of the insurgency in the North East believe that the search for solutions should start first with, a good understanding of the predisposing factors that pushed sections of the people into extremism. A fact that cannot be ignored in this regard is, the North East especially Borno and Yobe states are, incidentally among the most backward in the country.

The literacy rate is extremely low thereby making a large population of youths susceptible to indoctrination. Also aggravating the situation is, the absence of strong industrial base and avenues for employment. The States and the Local Governments remain the only source of employment. Even at that, the precarious environment is not helped by the systematic collapse of the Local Government system in the States. States and Local Governments in the affected States are today