Why insecurity persists in Nigeria, by dons

TWO dons have weighed in on growing insecurity in Nigeria with a view to finding lasting solutions.

This came up at a roundtable discussion organised by Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Nigeria, in conjunction with the Political Science Department, University of Abuja.

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, University of Abuja, Prof Abubakar Abba, who spoke on ‘ Beyond the Amotekun Security Outfit: Enthroning Regional

Government Through the State Legislature and Cooperation’, said Amotekun is a desperate tool created to address deep- seated political expediency and frustration.

“It is both a model for regional and tribal political adventure in security autonomy, as well as a mistake in citizens’ security system and the federal model of collective security. In between these two lie the fallacy of Amotekun; a Frankenstein monster that is not rooted in the national constitution,” he said.

Abubakar, who is a professor of political science, maintained that the absence of homogeneity and crises of integration persist in the regions.

He identified the nature of the Nigerian project, heterogeneity, character of Nigeria’s brand of democracy, inconsistency in the governance system, lack of trust among political elites, absence of permanent elite consensus on issues and overbearing nature of federal might as drawdowns on the political landscape that bring more confusion than solutions.

He said state Houses of Assembly that ought to make good laws and engender popular political participation are reeling under political elites that are not loyal party members and lack political ideology. He said most lawmakers are not grass rooted in their constituencies. Majority do not respect or understand the processes and workings of the legislature, while many are governors’ errand boys and girls.