The National Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Dr Chike Okogwu, has criticised Nigeria’s approach to addressing insecurity, warning that military intervention alone cannot end the country’s security crisis.
‘Effective governance, accountability, justice and strong leadership are crucial to achieving lasting peace. This was the assertion of Okogwu in an article titled “The Man, The Rottweilers and The Marauders: Nigeria Cannot Afford to Keep Holding the Leash.”
He argued that insecurity continues to thrive due to governance failures, corruption, intelligence gaps and political interference, despite the sacrifices of security personnel battling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Okogwu used the analogy of a rich estate owner who refused to unleash his trained Rottweiler dogs while marauders attacked his property. “Nigeria’s security forces are often expected to deliver results while operating under severe constraints,” he said.
“The dogs stand for the security forces, and the owner for the political leadership. “Sometimes men and women on the frontlines are asked to win battles with restrictions, insufficient support, conflicting directives and political interference,” he said.
Security, he said, should not be regarded solely as a military task but as a national challenge that must be addressed through coordinated efforts across all government institutions and society.
“Security cannot be bought with weapons. Security requires good governance, economic opportunity, trust in community, technology, intelligence and justice. “Most importantly, security needs leadership,” he said.
Okogwu also raised concerns about the devastating impact of insecurity on Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), stating that attacks and displacement expose them to greater risks because of limited mobility and inadequate support systems.
He said the increasing acceptance of violence as a normal part of life is a great danger to Nigeria’s future.
“The most dangerous thing before us is not just the continuation of violence. “The biggest danger is normalizing violence, believing nothing can change,” he said.
The ADC chieftain urged leaders at all levels to strengthen institutions, improve accountability, support security agencies and adopt a comprehensive strategy to restore public confidence and secure the country.
