Terrorism Thrives When Leadership Sleeps: A Call for Accountability by Israel James

Terrorism Thrives When Leadership Sleeps: A Call for Accountability

For many years, The Nigerian defence institutions have demonstrated sheer incompetence in handling the issue of insecurity in the country. From an intelligence point of view, this insecurity has revealed a lack of brilliance, commitment, and patriotism on the part of the intelligence community. What would have been a mere police issue has now become an all-out, large-scale war, demanding more attention than necessary and making Nigeria a global epitome of shame.

The role of the intelligence community should have focused more on crippling the financial sources empowering this large-scale offensive by terrorists within our borders and exposing the names of the organizations or individuals sponsoring terrorism in Nigeria.

The National Assembly has never shown its full capacity to address the issue. It is sad to know that these affected areas have senators representing them at the National Assembly. What are they saying? What is the Committee on Defense doing? What confidence do the Nigerian people have in the leadership of the Nigerian Senate regarding the security of our dear nation? We have become accustomed to the news of terrorism in Nigeria, and it has almost become an itch we can comfortably live with—but it is not!

Protecting the lives and property of the average Nigerian is a sacred responsibility, and no leader should go to bed with a full stomach when the lives of Nigerians are under severe threat. All enemies of the nation, both foreign and domestic, must be tracked down and brought to justice. We have lost so much to this insecurity—our pride as a nation, the lives of many soldiers who served wholeheartedly, and countless families have lost children, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, uncles, and aunts. The pain is beyond unbearable; it is lethal, excruciating, and eating deep into the very fabric of livelihoods.

This country, which God has so blessed, is the Giant of Africa, and no giant should be short—short of military brilliance, political will, and a commitment to a safe and secure Nigeria.

I call on the international community not only to call out the leadership of the country on its nonchalant approach to the matter but also to collaborate with us. Support us with your intelligence networks; help us track the funding and expose the names of those involved. Approve the sale of military equipment needed to strengthen our military capacity. Nigeria has been generous to its trade partners and allies over the years; we are calling on that goodwill now. Do not disrespect our sovereignty by suggesting the planting of foreign military bases and boots on our soil when you know we helped build your economy. Support us with coordinated intelligence and military equipment. Our gallant military can handle the infantry work—we have proven that we are the best at that over the years, and that is a fact.

Your Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu you have demonstrated a clear commitment to economic reforms and national rebirth, but all these fine policies and strategies hinge on your primary responsibility to protect the lives and property of the Nigerian people. Apply your highly respected and applauded intellectual and strategic acumen to the most essential duty of your office as Grand Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Demand more from the National security Adviser

There are many young Nigerians who believe in your leadership and proudly associate with you. Give us the benefit of doubt that the lives of Nigerians are important to you, Asiwaju. A true warrior leads from the front—take the front seat and lead the country against all its enemies, both foreign and domestic, and help restore sanity to the Nigerian people. Use the office and authority God has entrusted to you to save the lives of the helpless and unleash the full wrath of the Nigerian military on those who wish to shame and destroy the peace and integrity of this blessed nation.

My heart goes out to everyone who has lost loved ones to this insecurity that has ravaged the nation. I pray that God comforts you, for nothing can fill the void of losing a loved one.

May the wrath of God come down on our enemies.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Hon. Israel James
Country Director; Project SPRINT