Setting agenda for Mr. President
As President, I will reduce the powers of the centre, especially in areas of revenue allocation, infrastructure and other economic development; the states will now handle such. But I’ll increase the power of the centre in the areas of national security. My government will wield emergency powers to arrest and detain ‘indefinitely’ any individual or […]
As President, I will reduce the powers of the centre, especially in areas of revenue allocation, infrastructure and other economic development; the states will now handle such. But I’ll increase the power of the centre in the areas of national security. My government will wield emergency powers to arrest and detain ‘indefinitely’ any individual or group of individuals that pose a security threat to the country.
Also, if Boko Haram is busy recruiting foot soldiers, Nigerian army must also be seen to be swelling its ranks. We need an armed forces that can cover every nook and cranny of Boko Haram’s strong locations within Nigeria’s territory. It’s also possible that Nigerian troops be ready to strike border towns inside the territories of neighbouring countries seen to be harboring Boko Haram elements.
I will also come up with a martial plan for Northern Nigeria. My government in conjunction with affected state governments will establish or revive large scale industries and mega farms where unemployed, uneducated Northern youth will be made to work and earn a living. Almajiri schools and moderate Islamic centres will be provided within the premises of these establishments to take care of the inmates educational and religious needs. I bet you, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has no knowledge on how the Boko Haram challenge could be tackled.
These people live among us but no one is willing to divulge information to security agents. How can this issue end? Are we saying that parents, villagers, emirs, imams, LG chairmen of Boko Haram affected states do not know these guys?
I will use Intelligence gathering outfits to actively collect and produce actionable intelligence on any group that is a security threat. I will also pay attention to border patrol due to the porous nature of our borders. Apart from setting up border posts, a Quick Response Force (joint Customs, Immigrations & Army) placed at strategic points to react in case of an incursion. These QRF units will be provided with vehicles. There will also be need to provide air assets to patrol the borders. And if possible, we could retag one of our observation satellites over the borders. Border fences will be erected and equipped with CCTV cameras and motion sensors. And finally, a control centre will be established (possibly within one of the army’s facilities within any of the Border States or at JTF HQ) to coordinate the use and deployment of aforementioned assets.
I’ll also fast-track the mining of solid minerals and the development of the agricultural sector up north, as this will surely attract more investments and developments desperately needed in these places. And finally, as I said earlier, prayer is the best so let’s always be praying for our country and the President, because there are many who don’t want him on that seat. Let our Pastors and Imams organize a prayer day at least twice a week in their place of worship – Churches and Mosques – all over the nation.
Gideon John Madziga.