Terrorism: Panel advises Nigeria to join forces with US

Amb. Usman G. Galtimari

SECURITY agents will be more confident in fighting terrorism, should the Federal Government accept a recommendation that they get life insurance.

Besides, the Galtimari Presidential Committee on security challenges in the Northeast has advised the Federal Government to seek the cooperation of the United States and nations with similar experience to stem the tide of bombings perpetrated by the Islamist group, Boko Haram (western education is sin). 

The panel believes life insurance cover will encourage security agents to bodly face security challenges. 

It advised President Goodluck Jonathan to create an informal forum for discussing security issues with governors and other stakeholders. 

Also, the panel is seeking the abolition of indigeneship in all the 36 states. 

These highlights, exclusively obtained by The Nation, are some of the key recommendations of the panel. 

The committee was inaugurated by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, on August 2, last year. 

Members of the committee are: Amb. Usman G. Galtimari(Chairman), Senator Ali Ndume, Chief Joe-Kyeri Gadzama(SAN), Col. Musa Shehu(rtd), Senator Bala Mohammed, Dr. Bello Mohammed, Chief Emeka Wogu and Alhaji A.B. Shehu. 

Following the submission of a final report by the panel last September, the SGF raised a seven-man White Paper Drafting Committee which was headed by Comrade A. Mora. 

Other members of the committee are: Alh. Bukar Tijani, Esther G. Gonda; Alh. Abdullahi Yola, Mr. Usman Abubakar, Mr. Jubril Adeniji; Mr. L.E. Njoku, and Mr. U. Onwuanuokwu. 

The main report and the government’s position have been harmonised in the White Paper. 

The panel emphasised intelligence sharing and cooperation with the United States and others. 

The report said: “The committee observed that there is an apparent lack of strong and enduring international engagement and cooperation with some nations that experienced terrorism, such as the United States of America . The lack of intelligence sharing to avert unpleasant situations should be addressed. 

“The Committee’s findings in respect of links between the sect and international terrorist organisations and the sophistication of sect’s attacks (especially the attack on the United Nations’ Building) demand international cooperation and engagement in the area of intelligence gathering and dissemination of information.” 

“The war on terrorism can only be won through effective collaboration with countries that have experienced the threat. 

“The Federal Government should diversify and strengthen its means of creating avenues for international intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation through diplomatic channels/pacts,” it said. 

The committee urged President Goodluck Jonathan to create an informal forum for discussing security issues with governors and other stakeholders. 

The panel specifically demanded one-on-one discussions between the President and governors on security matters. 

The report added: “The performance of security operatives can be improved upon, if certain variables are provided. As a way forward, government should ensure that security agents are given life insurance cover and incentives in form of extra allowances. 

“In addition, security agents in the course of duty should have their entitlements promptly paid in order to sustain the families they left behind and to demonstrate that they did not die in vain. 

“The Federal Government should create an informal forum at the highest level, where Mr. President will discuss national security issues with governors and other major stakeholders from time to time. 

“Again, there is an urgent need to arrange an informal forum where Mr. President will grant audience to each state governor on one-on-one basis where issues of security could be addressed.” 

The committee identified the use of commercial motor-cyclists for terror attacks and asked the government to regulate their operation. 

“The committee observed that motor-cycles are being used to commit. It recommended that all commercial motor-cycle riders should be registered, given reflective jackets and identity cards,” it added. 

On religious intolerance in the North, the panel urged the Federal Government to prevail on states in the North to be fair.

The report said: “There were alleged neglect and lack of concern by some state governments in the North to some particular faith where their legitimate rights and demands are ignored for no apparent reasons other than possibly on the grounds that they constitute a minority. 

“Some state governments in the North that were alleged to have deliberately denied the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy(C of O) to churches should be advised to desist from such acts. 

“They should be immediately issued with C of O. Also, Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) should be allowed to be taught in schools alongside Islamic Religious Knowledge/Studies in state where such is not done. 

“Government accepts this recommendation.” 

The committee also called for the abolition of indigeneship in the country with the adoption of Sokoto Model. 

He said: “As a roadmap to the return of peace to the North-East zone and other parts of Nigeria , government should endevaour to integrate and unite Nigerians by rejecting those things that divide us, such as statism and the settler/indigene syndrome. Nigerians should be encouraged to se other Nigerians as compatriots who can live and do business anywhere in the country without any recourse to religion or ethnicity. 

“The committee was availed with the existence of a unique approach by the Sokoto State Government where everybody residing in the state is considered and accorded indigeneship with full rights to free primary education, registration of premises and ownership of property including employment opportunities and right to contest political offices. 

“The Federal Government should encourage other states in the Federation to adopt Sokoto State model where everybody is considered and accorded indigeneship with full rights to free primary education, registration of premises and ownership of property, including employment opportunities and right to contest political offices. 

“Government accepts this recommendation.”