If True, Joe Ajaero's Interrogation Signals Grave Implications for Nigeria’s Security - Professor Joy Ezeilo
Wisdom Tide
30/08/2024
Professor Joy Ezeilo, a distinguished former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Trafficking, has expressed profound concern over Nigeria's worsening security landscape, asserting that the nation is in dire straits due to the increasing politicization of security matters and a pervasive lack of professionalism within the system.
Professor Ezeilo’s apprehensions were sparked by the recent interrogation of Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) at their headquarters in Abuja. According to reports from DAILY POST, Ajaero was summoned by the police to answer to grave allegations including terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony.
In a strongly worded statement on her social media platform, Professor Ezeilo underscored that Nigeria’s growing insecurity is a direct consequence of the authorities’ misguided focus on trivial and irrelevant issues, rather than on the country’s fundamental security challenges. Her comments have resonated widely, reflecting a deep-seated frustration among many Nigerians regarding the current state of the nation's security apparatus.
“If what I heard about the police interrogation of NLC Leader Joe Ajaero is true, then we’re in deep trouble with the politicization of security matters and unprofessionalism at its worst,” Professor Ezeilo stated in her post. She further questioned the competence and priorities of the nation's leaders, asserting, “What kind of leaders do we have making decisions about our collective security? It’s clear why insecurity continues to plague Nigeria, as those responsible focus on trivial matters."
Professor Ezeilo’s critique did not stop there. She also expressed dismay over the decision to handle Ajaero’s interrogation in such a public and controversial manner, arguing that it only served to amplify unnecessary controversy and distract from the real issues at hand. In her view, the situation represents a troubling example of how the misuse of security apparatus for political ends is undermining the integrity and effectiveness of Nigeria’s security operations.
“Enough is enough! There’s no time to waste addressing the country’s monumental insecurity. Police, you can and should do better than this. It’s time for action, not just words or political posturing,” Professor Ezeilo urged. Her call to action is a stark reminder that the current approach to security in Nigeria is failing to deliver the protection and stability that citizens desperately need.
Her remarks echo a growing sentiment among many Nigerians who believe that the leadership and security forces are more engrossed in political theatrics than in addressing the real and pressing security challenges facing the nation. The public display of Ajaero’s interrogation has only intensified concerns about the extent to which security institutions may be being leveraged for political purposes, rather than focusing on their core mandate of safeguarding the nation.
Nigeria’s security situation has been deteriorating steadily over the years, with incidents of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence becoming alarmingly frequent. Despite the gravity of these threats, there is a perception that the government’s response has been fragmented and insufficient, often more focused on short-term political gains than on long-term security solutions.
The interrogation of a prominent labor leader like Joe Ajaero, on charges as serious as those he faces, is a case in point. The very fact that such an event could be seen as politically motivated, rather than purely based on security concerns, speaks volumes about the current state of trust in Nigeria’s security institutions. For many, it raises the fear that critical issues of national security are being overshadowed by political maneuvering and personal vendettas.
Professor Ezeilo’s comments bring to light a critical need for a re-evaluation of how security matters are handled in Nigeria. She calls for a refocusing of efforts on genuine threats to the nation’s stability, rather than on actions that serve to fuel political controversy or distract from the urgent task of protecting citizens. Her call to the police to "do better" is not just a criticism but a challenge to all in positions of power to rise above petty politics and prioritize the safety and security of the Nigerian people.
In conclusion, Professor Ezeilo’s warnings highlight the precarious state of Nigeria’s security environment. If her concerns about the politicization of the Joe Ajaero case prove accurate, it could signify a troubling trend that endangers the country’s ability to effectively address its security challenges. The stakes are high, and as she aptly puts it, there is no more time to waste. The government and security agencies must take immediate and decisive action to restore professionalism and focus to their operations, ensuring that the safety of Nigeria and its citizens is not compromised by political considerations
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