The former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, says the continual use of grammar by government officials would not put an end to the security challenges bewildering the country.
George, however, called for the procurement of modern equipment for the military and other security agencies in the country to fight insecurity.
The PDP chieftain made the call in a chat with journalists in Lagos on Wednesday, January 31, 2024.
He also described the security situation in Nigeria as horrendous and heart-wrenching, urging President Bola Tinubu to, as a matter of urgency, hold a meeting with all Service Chiefs, former Heads of State, and former military leaders in the country to find a lasting solution to the menace.
George, who listed the 1999 Constitution as part of the obstacles affecting the growth of Nigeria, enjoined Tinubu to implement the 2014 National Conference’s recommendations.
He said: “The situation in the country today as per security matters is horrendous and it is heart-wrenching. Everywhere, nobody is safe. There is a lot of modern equipment that the military must buy. Drones should be used. If we are serious, we can procure these equipment and train our military personnel on how to use them.
“Even Yemen uses drones. If they say there are kidnappers, hoodlums, or bandits somewhere our people can be trained to combat them because grammatology cannot save us anymore.
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“My suggested solution is simple. Is there a need for state police? Yes. The time to revisit the issue of state police is now. The president must not shy away from it.”
George further lamented that the rising insecurity has driven investors and some companies out of Nigeria, noting that many organisations would leave the country if the security challenges are not urgently addressed.
The PDP chieftain added: “We copied the American Constitution, but we copied it halfway. In U.S., each state has its own police and manages its resources.
“The constitution is part of the obstacles that are recklessly disturbing the growth of our nation. It is a military concept allowing only one man to decide. The governors have limited powers to fight insecurity. The impact of community police is unimaginable because they will speak the community’s language, interact with the people, and they will also be familiar with the acceptable norms in that community.
“Right now, we are on the precipice of a total collapse. A report had been written. We must take that constitutional conference report and implement it.
“Former President Goodluck Jonathan handed the full report to former President Muhammadu Buhari and I remember his comment ‘Please, put it in the archives’. The result of that statement is what we are experiencing now.
“The security situation has scared investors and some companies are moving out of the country. The president must invite all elders who have held one position or the other in the military for a discussion because this insurrection has become a national calamity.
“It is very urgent. The president must invite former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo, and Ibrahim Babangida, among others.”
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