#Aribigbola's Lines

Military withdrawal from checkpoints, in whose interest?

Aribigbola  Afolabi

Early in the month, the media reported the sudden and unexpected withdrawal of military personnel from checkpoints duties around Ondo State. In contrast to global and acceptable practices, no official explanation for the withdrawal of military personnel despite the fact that the purpose of bringing them out is yet to abate completely in the country. However, according to national Newspaper, speculations were rife as to what prompted the unusual manner of withdrawal of the Soldiers.
According to the Newspaper, unnamed sources suggested that the withdrawal was occasioned by a cold war between the military and operatives of the State Security Organization, Amotekun. The source insinuated that the military accused the Amotekun of targeting a particular ethnic group in their operations in their efforts to rid the state of criminal elements. It added that another reason for the withdrawal was the failure of the state government in paying allowances to the soldiers on checkpoint duties and the fact that the military has not been attending state security council meetings as expected.
Indeed, the role of the military the world over is to defend the territorial integrity of a nation from external aggression and to support the police in internal security where the police cannot cope with internal security problems as being experienced in all parts of Nigeria. Generally, the role of the military has been bifurcated into two; first are those they carry out under normal circumstances and those they carry out under abnormal circumstances.
These tasks are also referred to or can be grouped as humanitarian missions and routine activities. Essentially, the main mission of the military is to defend the society in case its security is violated for stability of the nation, due to the fact that it strengthens politics. Its absence could destabilizer internal and external politics. In a nutshell beyond the warfare, the military may be deployed to handle internal security threats, population control, emergences services, reconstruction,protecting corporate economic interest and social ceremonies among others. Thus, the primary mission of the military is to defend the country and its interest.
From the above therefore, inviting and deploying the military to checkpoints is to assist the police as being currently done in all parts of Nigeria is not an aberration or unusual practice. Of course, this is not the first time they are being invited to assist the police in the management of internal security. However, what is worrisome was the withdrawal of military from all checkpoints in Ondo state.
This is coupled with the fact that there was explanation from the military command as to the reason for the withdrawal while the insecurity pervading the entire landscape of Nigeria is yet to abate. In addition, while the military has the power or priviledge to deploy and withdraw their personnel, it should be with regards to the general good of the entire society. Afterall they are creation and they exist to serve the public and should be seen to be subservient to the Nigerian public and not vice versa.
The rising incidence of crime and insecurity across Nigeria and its consequences in terms of loss of lives and properties in recent times necessitated the pulling out of the military to assist the police in curbing the menace of insecurity in most parts of the country. The posting of military men to parts of Ondo State like most states in Nigeria seems to stem the escalating insecurity and the fear of citizenry who need to travel along the major highways.
It should be pointed out without mincing words that the withdrawal of military checkpoint from the state without the approval or knowledge of the state governor or state executive council is unacceptable and smacks of excessive display of power. In any case, the Nigerian constitution apology to the learned people , the Governor of a State is the Chief Security Officer of his State, while the military commander of that state is a member. Thus, the present disagreement is unacceptable and should not rear its ugly head in a sane polity.
The sudden withdrawal of military from checkpoints has some consequences. For one it is capable of creating fears in the mind of road users that are comfortable with their presence. This could limit and impede business transactions as well as the flow of goods and services. Besides, it has the potential to instigate and escalate insecurity in the state which was why they were drafted to the checkpoints in the first instance. Their disappearance with cogent explanation is not only unacceptable but a bad signal.
Another issue of concern is disrespect for the general public, the military like any agent or organs of government were created to serve the people. That is why they are being funded with public funds to which all Nigerians subscribed to. Then if they fail to support or serve the public in time of need, then for whose interest do they exist? Security is a public service that exists for the good, welfare and posterity of the citizenry of a country including Nigeria. If the military exist for public interest in Nigeria, then this should guide their actions rather than other considerations.
Another negative consequence of the withdrawal is that it revealed lack of cooperation and poor working relationships. Besides the seeming disregard to constituted authority, it is an aberration in governance. The military are expected to be always loyal to the government. Anything short of this is unacceptable and should not be allowed in our polity. Of course if there are grievances from the military, however, pedestal it may look, the state need to look at them. Though not sufficient for unilateral action as demonstrated in the withdrawal by the military.
Though the soldiers must recognize the poor state of finance of the state government. Since the issues of security is very important, efforts must be made by those concerned to find a common ground.
This is essential because the interest of the common man is paramount, and if the checkpoints were introduced in the first place in their interest that should continue to constitute the yardstick for performance otherwise both parties will be serving their own interests. Efforts must me made by all concerned to resolve the issue. Amotekun need to continue to enjoy support of all because they are presently doing well to curb criminal elements and their activities.

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