By A. A. Gadzama
Already conversant with the challenges facing the region and perceived to have done exceptionally well. This consideration will in addition minimize duplication and wasting of time on things already in the pipeline. The need for continuity should also be a consideration. It is therefore advisable that the thinking should not be jettisoned.
To avoid wasting time, it is advisable those to be appointed to manage the affairs of the commission must avoid the pitfalls that led to the failure of similar initiatives elsewhere. The attitude of corruption, wastages and the culture of sharing of public funds that have subverted the good intentions of government in the past must be avoided at all cost. What this means is, the commission should be insulated from tendencies that will undermine the interest of the traumatized people of the region. The managers of the commission must strive to make it succeed for all to see. This without being told is possible. The point should not also be glossed over and assumed that the problem of the North-east in the wake of the insurgency is only about infrastructural rehabilitation.
There are deep seated challenges that should be looked into. Factors that push people into extremism must be adequately addressed. Good governance and judicious use of available resources is also advisable. The huge humanitarian crisis unleashed on those impacted by the insurgency deserves to be immediately looked into. Also, provision of enabling environment to allow the victims return to their communities and live their lives without hindrance should be accorded attention. This is the reason why an informed review of the existing security infrastructure of the region is imperative.
The military, law enforcement and security agencies, as well as, paramilitary agencies, should reinforce their presence in the region by opening up more posts. Related to this is, the issue of amnesty for the insurgents and the retrieval of the large quantum of dangerous weapons in the possession of the insurgents and their sympathizers. The model used in the Niger Delta despite its imperfections should be adopted. It is instructive that, amnesty, rehabilitation and re-orientation of the militants were critical components of the programme although it was handled as a separate component. It is important to note, that the current level of dangerous weapons in circulation in the North-east will continue to be a security threat unless degraded.
Finally, those to operate the North East Development Commission should note that, it is not just another bureaucracy. It should be operated with the highest standards of probity and best practice. The pitfalls that resulted in failure of similar initiatives as impressed earlier, must be avoided at all costs. A mechanism of openness and transparency should be enshrined from the onset. Also, a very robust watch dog arrangement and oversight process should be emplaced. The civil society should in addition be carried along from the word go. If all these measures are put in place, the commission will definitely succeed in meeting the yearnings of the people of the North-east.
Gadzama, OFR, mni, is a former DG, SSS
