Sirens for Hire: A Critical Review of Nigerian Security System

While many countries are busy curtailing the use of sirens to only government officials if ever it is necessary, in Nigeria the opposite is the case. There is a growing trend in private individuals hiring sirens for personal use or installing it with the purpose of achieving the above. It has grown to such exceptionality that it is no longer unusual to see cars rolling by in high speed with a siren or blue light installed. A friend jokingly christened it ‘money siren’ associating with big money as opposed to government responsibility to protecting all and sundry. At traffic jam it is not unusual to see such blaring to escape such, an indication of how divided the society exist-different rules for different peers as far as Nigeria is concerned.The permit is usually obtained from law enforcement agency so there is official knowledge of its prevalence within the society. What should be noted is that it is only accessible to wealthy individuals within the society or those who can show they have acquired wealth without proof of how those wealth were amassed. All what is required is for the Lagos command to grant the permission so long as the money is in display.

A friend of mine visiting Nigeria after a long time was shocked in his observations as to how prevalent this has become. In these cars fitted with siren are security personnel whom are attached to these car owners. One question comes to mind, if individuals are given private security either police or army, whom then guards the state or community where the population resides.The amazing thing is that there are more individuals seeking such security clearances to operate with entourage meaning many police officials are withdrawn from officials public good to serve personal interests. The big question would be; What internal conditions could give rise to such a situation? With the spike in kidnapping around different states within the country and politician enriching themselves, clueless to societal need, the Country resembles just a gangster paradise 

There is no current study that suggest the benefit of such individualization of security outfit to increased or reduced risk associated with crime to a particular society. The only thing that can easily crop to mind is the failure of the system to work efficiently giving rise to such proliferation. This situation is common in countries with high level of insecurity or lapses on security matters as a result of warlord or segmented security formation. This situation can arise in countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya or Congo which can be classified as failed state? The indication and implications of such to Nigeria only signifies characteristics of failed statehood of which is no different from countries in state of war. The failure to adequately arrange or organize how states should function has resulted in such conditions as seen today which is an indictment on the crop and class of elite who benefits from such state of utter despondency, desperation and fear. 

What are the primary responsibilities of government? 

The function of government all over the world is to provide security to the population within their territory. These security functions can be carried out in most instances by the police. The relationship between the population and the police is very vital in achieving internal security of the state. But in most cases these relationship is that of cat and mouse as most would attest to. In most instances these situation could deteriorate the relations between the police and the community is one of suspicion. There has be report the very same police that are supposed to protect citizens inspire fear and terror. Since such protections extend to life and property. Given the above, equal provision to protection of life and properties should not be biased against the poor. Application of ‘what is good’ should be beneficial to both ‘goose and gander.’ This means that government shouldn’t use general public goods to serve certain interests above the other as such the quod pro quo principle should remain relevant in the mind and act of those placed in position of authority. When the rich are highly prioritized to the detriment of the poor in a the society it is indicative of failure on the part of the state to perform the sole responsibilities of securing life and property as such no different from a classification of a failed state. 

What are the consequences of such proliferation of security outfits without coordination? 

The consequences are multifaceted firstly, the diversion of resources and  factionalisation of the society. Of course one might argue that the gab between rich and poor are so obvious as such the rich requires greater protection. This does not hold because a society that undermines its under privileged people run the risk of heightened tension and is judged by how it takes care of their need. The adoption of constitutional democracy was meant to take  care of perceived inequalities creating room for coexistence before the law for both rich and poor. This is to avoid creating the impression that the law operates in two categories one for the rich and the other for the poor. This diversionary illusion gives the powerful the right to act as though they are above reproach-a bias approach in the distribution and management of general goods. This kind of behavior encourages out of touch policy of impunity on the part of those entrusted with the leadership within the society. This total or absolute disorganization associated with such fragrant disregard to normal process of social coexistence is hard to comprehend and leads to continued disdain and inept actions on authorized persons towards the poor in today’s Nigeria . This happens because no one amongst those in authority understood how such behavior unfortunately undermines basic rule of law leading to break down of law and order-situation of chaos or rule of the jungle. 

Secondly, it blurs the line in security as individuals involved act right above the law of common sense. For instance in a recent incident a blue light driver parks his car right in the middle of the road creating long line of traffic and could not be challenged, an indication of how fragrantly laws are and can be abused by the powerful.

Thirdly such act can be exploited by criminal syndicates. The security personal are quick to let such drivers with blue light to cross security post without subjection to searches. There has been report where individuals uses these cars to transport illicit goods under the protection of the law. This unfortunately also adds to challenges of insecurity within the country. The spike in Kidnappings across the country and officials authorizations of siren and blue light offers incidents for perpetrators under the cover of the law. 

Fourthly, it highlights break down in rule of law and probably failed state attribute. The simple fact that anyone can be given the power to run a blue light with the authority of the law enforcement agency is an indictment to the fact that no authority is in a existence. That limited resources could be diverted to few individuals to the detriment of an entire society should be worrying and calls to question if really the government takes seriously the oath to protect every life and not selected life’s.

Are such unconventional wisdom supportive of current Security challenge in Nigeria? 

There is no solution in such act as granting individuals to take security in their own hands as leasing what should be public goods or tools. While the politicians allot to themselves police and military personnel as guards, the masses languish within insecurity. The few with money buy sirens to blow their way through the chaos. This proliferation of such security apparels endangers the well being of the entire society. Since the proliferation of jihadist from ISIS to Boko Haram, and with government inability to secure the borders, it is utter stupidity that given such level of insecurity government should take for granted such security matters. That security is biased against the poor people who are victims of government failed policy to achieve protection of lives and property through such leases is a proven fact. Just as many nations are tightening the screw on use of security product in times like these given counterinsurgency in an era filled with terrorism, it is incumbent on state such as Nigeria to review certain act or policy that doesn’t add to its security needs. Such unconventional act can be exploited and damaging to the citizens whose hopes unfortunately are increasingly far away from their political elites not leaders.

Celestine Chidi holds BA in International Relation and BA Hons in International Politics 

The New Normal: Guarded Democracy by Khakimen an illusion to civilian Rule

The metamorphosis of khaki to Agbada politics in Nigeria is stifling democratic gains which has led to this critical question, what should be done to a lion that has tested human blood? 

There are no easy way to the above question. In the most extreme, it falls on the rangers to make the last minute call for the continued security of the community. In Nigeria after the demise of the military rule, it much feels like nothing much has changed. The mentality is much the same-matching orders are constantly issued, from executive to legislative, like the military never vacated the space. Recently in Algeria, even though the population got to test democracy, dislodging the military from previously occupied political space is proven an incomparably task and much difficult to achieve. Nigeria like many countries that has experienced military test of power, they remain a challenge to sustaining the gains of democracy. In Nigeria, the brutality of civilians population continues unabated. The society lives under fear, ‘watch what you say, to whom, so to belong you dire not speak against the security forces or else, you have yourself to blame.’ Consider using the word revolution, the government would surely fish you out. Where then is freedom of speech, expression or otherwise as the constitution specified?

A close look at the structure of leadership that has emerged since independence, one would be shocked to what is found. The players in the space of leadership happened to be those who prosecuted the civil war of the late 60’s. From Gowan, Mutala, Obasanjo, Buhari, Babangadi, Abacha to the present with exception of Shagari, Shonikon, Yaradua and Goodluck. The combined years for this Nigerian civilians rule were more or less around 10 years. So in all, we have had a combined total of over 25years for military and metamorphosed military reign of 13years.The next question would be, are we really in a democratic dispensation where a true and proper civilian government emerges outside of former military strongman to unwind the fear that has stifle good governance? Though this is not peculiar to Nigeria alone, most States that were hotbed of military regime or control of government at one point or another are struggling to untangle themselves from the scorch of such rules. I call it a scorch because there remains, lack of accountability, mismanagement and wanton brutality within these society. Even where a civilian government emerges, they are micromanaged not to offend the security apparatus. 

The rate at which the ex-military personnel hungry for power switch in Agbada since the world shunned coup is becoming a new normal within developing countries. The problem is that, it endangers the possibilities of true democracy in these parts of the world. From Pakistan, Sudan, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Thailand and many look alike democratic state, the tread is taken shape and unfortunately is overlooked by even Western states which unwittingly is courting these autocratic leaders on accounts of self interest. The Thailand scenario was described as a, ‘Crude mockery of democracy,’ the implications are severe given the dangers posed by these regime who continues to inflict untold psychological pain on the lives of ordinary civilian population. Many in these states remain constrained, reactive increasing future chances of instability and possibly insecurity-Nigeria and Egypt as a ticking time bomb.

There is nothing like military lead democracy and we are witnesses to the carnage in Sudan most recently were close to 118 protesters were murdered by the RSF-a Janjaweed, a paramilitary group that supports the ruling military. The benefits to military engineered democracy is yet to yield any positive reap off for any society of modern memory. They are an elite within elite with huge wealth and status to protect, so there continued participation in politics is meant to preserve, save or protect such ill begotten wealth. 

The event in Thailand and those of Sudan should serve as a wake up call to why it is important that international community should consider placing heavy burden through sanctions on ex-militocracy, a new means to usurping power without bullet. It is important that much be done to increase civilian control of the military since they are not accountable by virtue of their guns.

A close study of the countries that were ones under such forms of rule would indicate absence of robust civilian participation which is a common phenomenon in many of these states like Nigeria. The lack of tolerance by the security forces remains a clear manifestation and an indication to an environment of fear and intimidation under which such that state operates. For instance, the planned protest by ‘Revolution Now group, was brutally crushed two day after its leader was arrested by men of Nigeria DSS with a trumped up charge. 

The beauty of democracy is in its ugliest ethos ‘agree to disagree.’ To intervene means upending a flourishing process of learning to better through mistakes. For developing states like the ones mentioned above practice makes perfect should signify and amplify the process and approach to building solid democracy which is without Force- khaki politics. 

Metamorphosis and operations of khaki morphed Agbada political elite in democratic space isn’t a good sign for countries with long history of military brutality. Irrespective of the ugliness of tyranny by either the majority or minority, the beauty lies on,political negotiations between civilian stakeholders. Nothing involves force, as such, civilian should be given the opportunity and space to correct their mistakes. Disregarding the shenanigans of politicians elite, a flawless constitutional established order is meant to guide the process without a messianic militocracy to the rescue. It remains a setback for proper constitutional democratic order of development. The psychology of a military personnel differs from that of an ordinary civilian and it complicates the more when it involved in the day to day running of any state not to mention Nigeria even after the khaki has been displaced. The orientation of the military is not meant to help in political civilian democracy and can’t be helpful either if we hope to build a lasting democratic state we can all be proud of. Their role end in defense of nations sovereignty while involvement in politics takes them far away from achieving such.

Finally, civilians should avoid courting the retired military as though their is anything meaningful to learn from the brutal uncivilized approach to governance.

(This piece was inspired from traveling between Nigeria and Ghana, how the benefits of democracy differs between both nations).

Ezemedolu Celestine holds BA in International Relation and BA.Hons in International Politics 

Once upon a time in Africas’ most populous Black Nation: Nigeria.

Was there a time in this Country when the people lived happily ever after? I believe if we all search individually we might find such a time. But it is not about that time, it is about how old the state has existed and what has it achieved so far. It is about transitioning from old to youth as we plan for the future. If ever there was such a time when things were rosy, it should be important to note that, it was a time before the government went to bed with big businesses as rent seekers. As government has become unconscionable to what the masses need there is need for somber reflection. Today there is greater proof that government are in pocket of big business without whom they cannot perform. The youths can hardly boast of seeing old age haven been abandoned, leadership is more expensive, none caring and distant. Government ran as though not of, by and for the people. A captured entity, no longer in control or hands of those whom were voted to run it. The State of affairs are beyond what anyone hopes for and the resultant effect are despondency and desperation.  How did we get here? 

When the State was captured.

 

The State of Nigeria is similar to the parable of the sower. The seed ends up in barren state of affairs given these prevailing circumstances which includes: leaderless attributes, loathing of state resources, ineptitude and unaccountability to name a few, implications of which are severe. Irrespective of all effort to get things working, the country continues to witness an increasingly high level of ills. This is not because the youths to whom the future are to be entrusted are clueless, loves crime, with the tendency to destroy such future but simply for their hands off, not engaged approach-so many vested interests that lock them out, resulting to current despondency. Take a short right to the center of Nigerian mono economic heartthrob and you would be forced to ask, what is wrong with Nigeria and the leaders? Basic infrastructure are barely in existence and where they are, is below standard not to even talk of moderate. This then can explain the restive nature of the life of a typical citizen of oil producing States or northeast where Boko Haram operates. Accountability is a missing word.

Let’s look at what is meant when one says a state is captured: according to Hellman & Kaufman 2001:1; Dassah 2018) ‘efforts of firms to shape the laws, policies, and regulations of the state to their own advantage by providing illicit private gains to public officials.’ Simply put, it is a situation in which leaders act not in the interest of citizens whose taxes pay their salaries but rather serve the interests of big business in whose pocket they found themselves knowingly or unknowingly. Let’s take a practical consequential outlook for an oil company operating in Niger Delta in an event this same company is situated in USA and is alleged to be environmental polluter. The congress would summon the company to come and testify. The relevant environmental agencies would conduct assessment and issue public report. The court would get involved in the interest of the society. In an event they are found culpable, series of options are utilized which includes: fine, withdrawals of license or other punishments deemed fit or even imprisonment. So how many of such instances can we relate to. why is this not so in Nigeria, and if so where and what consequences have these companies been made to face given the current state of affair in the country? Environmental protection is not a western thing but a global responsibility, should be of vital importance, violations should bear consequences. 

In the absence of no report, one could only conclude: it is either the branches of government knows nothing about governance or like the concept of state capture suggest are outside of state control. Either way, it calls to question the type of leadership we have, whom in the face of abnormalities look the other way. We have reached a point where, truth be told not behind veils.

The kind of MNC we have so far attracted are lead by corporate greed and danger to the future. Accountability should be an everyday catch word. Whilst the people whose land are destroyed cries, their resources whittled away, government which is meant to secure the interest of the state/people looks away because FDI dictates-profit before life. 

Nigeria is so blessed that if the resources are well managed, many countries would be courting the citizens like they do with the Chinese whose wealth are of high demand. We have an industrious population, less demanding compared to many countries where governments are saddled with much bigger responsibility-an industrial potential. The population and the ingenuity of the Nigerian citizens should be the starting point for the nations developmental needs rather than looks elsewhere. Whilst the government run around seeking for potential investors, the potential of the citizens gets wasted because the basic needs for such to take root are virtually missing. No matter how FDI driven need we become, countries depends on the strength of their citizens to develop. FDI are profit driven, speculative and not in it for a long haul and can fizzle out when burdened with social corporate responsibility for which in Nigeria is too much to handle. 

Where do you start? Government has abandoned it social contract. Government should work towards investing on the people by building basic infrastructure that enables development to thrive like roads and steady electricity. For starters and for crying out loud, let’s ask ourselves simple question, Why aren’t big companies coming this way? The ones that are here aren’t willing to put down real investment because of high instability. If we still import common dairy milk what does it say of long existing company that has been occupying the space? Combine our potential as a nation now and into the future bearing in mind that, Nigerian youth population is projected to grow further by 2055 by U.N. report. 

To return to a state of stability, government should employ and apply researches that can help project the strength of the country. As we seek FDI, we should focus more on inward strength of the the youths. Wane the nation of dependency on big business that has underdeveloped the state because of vested interests that runs parallel against accountability. The biggest investment for Nigeria are the people because, they are self conscious, capable and ready to help government fulfill the developmental needs of the state.

Celestine Chidi hold BA in International Relation and BA. Hons in International Politics