Former Minister of External Affairs Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi has made an urgent appeal to President Bola Tinubu to declare a nationwide state of emergency on security, proposing radical measures to combat the escalating violence and kidnappings spreading across Nigeria.
Critical Security Incidents Prompt Emergency Call
In a statement released on Monday, Akinyemi highlighted several alarming security breaches that have heightened national concern. The killing of Army Brigadier General Musa Uba stands among the serious incidents cited, along with the abduction of over 300 pupils in Niger and Kebbi states. The former NIIA Director-General also referenced the kidnapping of 38 worshippers from Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, though thankfully these victims have since been released.
Proposed Military Reforms and Emergency Measures
Akinyemi's emergency proposal includes suspending specific provisions of the Armed Forces Act 2004 that require military retirement after 35 years of service or at age 60. He strongly recommended that recently retired officers should be recalled immediately to bolster the military's nationwide presence and operational capacity.
"I respectfully call on His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to suspend the enforcement of the Armed Forces Act 2004 provision—an inherited British-era policy—that mandates the retirement of military personnel after 35 years of service or upon attaining 60 years of age," Akinyemi stated.
The professor pointed to historical precedents, noting that similar temporary measures were implemented during the Second World War and Nigeria's Civil War to address urgent national security requirements.
Accountability Measures and Military Tribunals
In his comprehensive security proposal, Akinyemi suggested that constitutional immunity for governors should be suspended in regions where terrorist groups operate freely without challenge. He indicated that states failing to contain terrorism could potentially be placed under temporary military administration when necessary.
"During this period, constitutional immunity for governors should be suspended so that any governor under whose jurisdiction terrorist groups operate freely and with impunity can be held accountable. Where necessary, such a state may be temporarily placed under military administration to restore order and protect citizens," he explained.
The security expert further advocated for establishing military tribunals specifically designed to prosecute terrorists and their collaborators, with maximum penalties applied where guilt is established beyond reasonable doubt.
Akinyemi emphasized the critical nature of the security situation, stating: "Nigeria must not tolerate a situation in which members of terrorist organisations freely appear at social gatherings armed and unchallenged. Our nation's security demands decisive, coordinated and courageous action."
Additionally, he proposed a nationwide recruitment campaign into the armed forces to ensure adequate military presence across all states and regions, describing this measure as essential for restoring public confidence, stability, and territorial control throughout the federation.
