'Declare national emergency on security, put politics aside'

As I sat down with Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, the former Governor of Kaduna State and erstwhile Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), I couldn't help but notice the weight of concern etched on his face. A man who has dedicated his life to public service, Makarfi has witnessed firsthand the ebbs and flows of Nigeria's democratic journey. In this candid interview, he speaks about the pressing issues plaguing the country, particularly the security challenges that seem to be spiraling out of control.

Makarfi's assessment of Nigeria's democracy and governance architecture is candid and forthright. While acknowledging the achievements of the current democratic dispensation, he cannot help but express deep concern over the conduct of politicians and the behavior of some people in government. According to him, the security challenges facing the country are a major problem that needs to be addressed with urgency. "Our inability to either stop or drastically reduce security challenges remains a major problem," he stresses. Makarfi believes that once substantial progress is made in restoring security, economic activities will flourish, and economic hardship will lessen. This is a stark reminder that, in Nigeria, security is not just a matter of politics, but a fundamental human right that affects everyone.

When asked what needs to be done to address these issues, Makarfi's response is unequivocal: "Security should not be politicised." He argues that security is a matter that affects everyone and should unite the nation, rather than being used as a tool for political gain. In this light, his call for a national emergency on security is not just a rhetorical flourish, but a genuine plea to put politics aside and address the root causes of the country's security challenges. According to Makarfi, the government should not dismiss concerns raised by citizens or opposition parties as mere politics. Instead, it should engage with them in a constructive dialogue to find solutions to the crisis.

Makarfi's views on security are not just a personal opinion, but a reflection of the broader national conversation on the issue. Nigeria has been grappling with security challenges for years, from the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East to the herdsmen-farmers conflict in the Middle Belt. The recent upsurge in banditry and kidnapping has only added to the country's security woes. In this context, Makarfi's call for a national emergency on security is a timely reminder of the urgent need for a comprehensive and multi-stakeholder approach to addressing the crisis.

As I concluded my conversation with Makarfi, I couldn't help but be struck by the sincerity of his plea. In my view, his call for a national emergency on security is not just a political statement, but a genuine attempt to bring the nation together to address a common challenge. If implemented, this approach could potentially be a unifying force that transcends party politics and brings Nigerians together to find a solution to the security crisis. As Makarfi himself noted, security has positive multiplier effects on virtually every other sector, and addressing it effectively could have a ripple effect on the nation's economy and social development.

As the nation grapples with the complex web of security challenges, Makarfi's message is clear: put politics aside, and let us work together to restore security to our nation. If we fail to do so, we risk sacrificing our democracy and governance architecture on the altar of partisan politics. The choice is ours, and it is a choice that requires courage, wisdom, and a commitment to the national interest.

**Forward-looking, in the coming months, we can expect to see increased pressure on the government to take concrete steps to address the security crisis. If Makarfi's call for a national emergency on security gains traction, we may see a more concerted effort from all stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the crisis.