By Hillary Asemota
The Civil Society Legislative Centre (CISLAC) a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has solicited the supported, capability and goodwill of the Nigeria Army, Enugu Headquarters, 82 Division to expeditiously bring to an end to the alleged extra-judicial killings and security challenges that have persisted in some South-eastern states.
While welcoming CISLAC’s Executive Director, Mr. Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani) who was represented by its Project Manager, Ms. Bertha Ogbimi, to Enugu Army Headquarters, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Major General Aminu Chinade, acknowledged that the time has come for all stakeholders to collaborate to end the security challenges confronting, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, South-east and other parts of Nigeria.
The GOC, said: “There is no better time, than now, to come together to address Nigeria’s numerous security challenges adding that transparency and accountability are the key when it comes to service delivery.”
However, he stressed that security is not only the responsibility of security agencies, but of civilians as well.
On his response to the demands and prayers made by CISLACT, He explained: “Review of the operationalization of security in the region to conform with existing regulations and rules of engagement through capacity building for security personnel on existing, relevant laws, Acts, or policies, with emphasis on officers in Abia and Enugu States.”
He pointed out that army’s operational plans are guided by rules of engagement explaining further that the Army and the troops in Enugu are well educated and trained on such issues.
“The issue of unlawful arrest and unlawful detention is still lingering, we are hoping that by this visit, you would use your good office to address the menace, particularly in Anambra State.
On solving the crisis, he said investigations take time, but I agree that access to information on what we do is key, and I believe that these organizations that are charged with the responsibility to interface, should do more
According to him, there is need to revisit and enforce the disbandment of Ebube-Agu and its operation especially in Ebonyi and Imo States as it has been declared unrecognized by a competent court.
Responding, Musa, added that Ebube-Agu is a state establishment. “It is a product of the state, so if we want any change to be made, we have to take it up with the state legislators.”
The Executive Director however pressed that the army based on its capability, good will and support from the public can help put an end to the alleged extrajudicial killings, kidnappings, community clashes and other criminal activities happening in Ezza and Efium communities in Ebonyi State and Agbani Community in Enugu States.
Chinade, added that the 82 Division take proactive steps in leading the fight against the sit-at-home order and threat to lives and properties in the south-east by engaging all stakeholders using the carrot and stick approach
While also responding, the GOC, said, ending the sit-at-home issue is something that we the (Army) have been wanting all along, adding: “We are working tirelessly to ensure that we bring it to an end. However, the decision to come out or not, is on the society.
“CISLAC’s engagement should also go into enlightening the people. On our own part, we will do all that we can, but the citizens also have to trust us and come out
“When you place military officers to terrains/regions where they are indigenes, prejudice is likely to come in place. I think security has nothing to do with where one comes from. This is a concept that people always think about, but they don’t look at it critically.”
Musa, however, advised that the Army provide a contact/focal person to work with CISLAC towards achieving the overall objectives of this project which is to: Strengthen Capacity, Advocacy and National Engagement towards an Accountable, Responsive and Efficient Management of the Defence and Security in Nigeria.
The GOC, assured that the proposal will be attended to, adding: “This is something I assure you that we are going to do. CISLAC need to write a proposal, requesting for collaboration and from there, we can take the next steps.”