“LEFT to me, the whole essence of governance is to provide adequate security for the people and in whatever way this is achieved, it is acceptable.”
With those words, former military President Ibrahim Babangida expressed his support for the establishment of state-run police organizations in Nigeria, saying that the country cannot remain a hostage to past experience.
General Babangida, who turned 71 on Friday, made the remarks in an interview with Lagos-based Channels TV.
According to the former military ruler, Nigeria has progressed beyond the point where incumbent politicians can use security apparatus under his command to subject the opposition to undue harassment.
“I don’t think the incumbent governors can use state police to intimidate anybody. Honestly, the fear is unfounded.”
He pointed out that, under his military leadership, the concept of the National Guard was adopted but later dropped after coming under intense criticism from Nigerians.
“When we were there, we established the National Guards that was so vilified and was later dropped,” said the president, in apparent recognition of the ability of Nigerians to stand against whatever they find unpalatable.
“I don’t think what happened in the 50s should continue to haunt us. We should try to move on,” the former general added.
“Why should we think that what happened in the 50s, when the regional police were used to intimidate members of the opposition political parties, will continue to happen under the present dispensation?” asked General Babangida, who ruled Nigeria from August 27, 1985 to August 27, 1993.
The retired general went on to express his often cited conviction that the Nigerian project would endure, enjoining the press to resist the temptation to give audience to those who believe the country is doomed to dissolution.
He also described the recent call for President Goodluck Jonathan’s resignation by the violent Islamic group, Boko Haram, as laughable.