The All Progressives Congress (APC) and an elder statesman, Malam Tanko Yakassai, yesterday condemned the call by the former Minister of Defence, Lt-Gen Theophilus Danjuma, on the citizenry to defend themselves against “ethnic cleansers.”
At the convocation of the Taraba State University at the weekend, Danjuma accused the armed forces of colluding with armed bandits to perpetrate violence.
He also alleged that the armed forces were unable to adequately provide security for the citizens of Taraba State and called on the people to defend themselves.
APC Spokesperson, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, in a reaction, described Danjuma’s position on the raging conflict between herdsmen and farmers as a call to anarchy.
He reiterated the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration’s commitment to tackling the insecurity plaguing the country.
“We believe that a person of that caliber shouldn’t be making that kind of statement that can throw the country into anarchy. No responsible government would allow the skirmishes between farmers and herdsmen get out of hand. We are doing our best to secure the lives and property of Nigerians.
“To say that government is not doing enough is one thing. But to say that government is complicit in the killing of people is a completely different thing. Government will continue to do its best and if there are shortcomings, we will address them.
To now begin to say that because of those shortcomings government is complicit in the killings, it is very dangerous for Gen. Danjuma to take such a stance.”
Yakassai believed that Danjuma’s statement could be a result of President Buhari ‘s refusal to heed his advice on the matter.
He, however, disagreed with the call on the citizenry to take up arms against anybody perceived to be among killer herdsmen in the country.
Yakassai particularly wondered why Danjuma who is in his 80’s would go out of his way to preach violence rather than preach the message of peace to Nigerians.
“What Gen. Danjuma said is hardly the words of elders. Elders are known for trying to calm down tension and not to invite conflict. If the two warring groups decide to defend themselves, it means there would be endless anarchy and this is not what we want in this 20th century.”
On Danjuma allegation that the Nigeria Army is complicit in the crises, he urged him to provide verifiable evidence to prove his claim.
“The military remains his constituency even though he left service over 40 years ago. He is still respected among the rank and file. He has the opportunity to meet the highest echelon of the army to talk to them and advise them. This is a better option than calling for anarchy.”
But the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, lauded Danjuma for exposing how the country’s security architecture is being compromised.
The governor also castigated the APC-led Federal Government for focusing on 2019 re-election bid at the expense of governance and protection of life and property.
_________
Follow us on Twitter at @thesignalng
Copyright 2018 SIGNAL. Permission to use portions of this article is granted provided appropriate credits are given to www.signalng.com and other relevant sources.
