ATTAH: The Military Know What They Are Saying

A SOLDIER is one who offered his life to sleep in the bush day and night, while some of his colleagues are being killed and they tried to maneuver themselves from being killed to save other citizens. Whatever the military says must be correct and be put into consideration. They must be taken seriously. They are the people in the field and they see what is happening.

Do you think this explains why Boko Haram remains destructive despite President Buhari’s efforts?

President Buhari’s effort is getting successful. No Nigerian would stand and say President Buhari’s administration is not working. The war is ongoing. We should support the military to succeed.

How do you think government should tackle this insurgency?

How else do you want them to tackle insurgency? The Chief of Army staff and the Chief of Defence Staff are right there at the war zone. As they follow the instructions given to them by the Head of State, the war would be won. Any statement from the Chief of Army Staff should be taken seriously. They must be, because they are well trained. They know what they are doing. I think they are doing very fine as far as I am concerned.

How do you want Mr. President to handle this alarm raised by the military?

It is not a topic for discussion. When the management meets they discuss and they study what the case may be and take the right decision. Such things should not be discussed on the pages of newspaper.

As a former IGP, do think anyone is above the law in Nigeria?

Nobody is above the law. If you commit any crime, no matter how highly placed you are, the law would take its course.
If eventually those people behind Boko Haram are unmasked, what kind of punishment do you suggest should be meted on them?

Whatever punishment they deserve should be given to them. When they are arrested they should be given the right sanction. If it is true that powerful people are behind them, and the people are arrested the government should allow the law to take its course.

How do you think the military could overcome these frustrations?

I know our armed forces are well trained to handle the situation. We have very intelligent Generals and they are well positioned to handle the situation.