Nigerian military can defeat the bandits,pastor Schugger replies Sheikh Gumi
By Collins Nkwocha
The senior pastor of Grace Revolution International Ministry Lagos,pastor Schugger Ezenwa Onyeukwu (phd) has disagreed with Sheikh Gumi’s utterance that the military can not defeat the bandits except the government negotiates.
Speaking to newsmen today in Lagos,pastor Schugger insisted that the military can defeat the bandits “while I understand Sheikh Ahmad Gumi’s perspective on the need for negotiation with bandits, I strongly disagree with his assertion that the Nigerian military cannot defeat them without dialogue;the bandits have shown no qualms about engaging in violent activities, kidnapping, and killing innocent civilians, which suggests that they are not necessarily motivated by grievances that can be addressed through negotiation”.
“Moreover, the military has a constitutional duty to protect the lives and property of citizens, and it is their responsibility to take decisive action against those who seek to disrupt peace and stability. In many cases, military action is necessary to neutralize threats and create an environment conducive to dialogue and sustainable peace”.
He further called for a prudent and a judicious approach towards tackling the problem of insecurity in the country “i recommend a comprehensive approach that combines military action with dialogue and addressing the root causes of conflicts is essential. However, this should not be misconstrued as a sign of weakness or an admission that the military cannot handle the situation;rather, it should be seen as a strategic move to address the complexities of the conflict and find a lasting solution”.
Ultimately, the security situation in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach that involves both military and non-military solutions. While negotiation and dialogue are important, they should not be seen as a replacement for the military’s role in maintaining law and order.
