“Governors and other politicians and their collaborators are stockpiling arms ahead of the elections. Steps should be taken urgently to prevent those in possession of illegal arms from unleashing them on Nigerians during and after the elections…” Director-General of the National Task Force on Prohibition of Illegal Importation of Small Arms, Ammunition and Light Weapons, Dr. Osita Okereke, had alleged.
Oby Ezekwesili: The joys of sacrifice
If this revelation can come from a top government official, then the military must be ready to safeguard Nigeria and her patriots at all times, especially in this critical moment. With this revelation, it is paramount that those who are opposed to the Operation Python Dance III should be treated as accomplices and enemies of the sovereignty of Nigeria. I cannot say more. I wish my country well and I do not want any citizen to die because of the 2019 general elections. No one, however highly placed, should put the lives of Nigerians in danger because of selfish political interest. Nigerian patriots must join hands and resist it.
There is no doubt that, like before, many Nigerian politicians with the old induced mindset of taking general elections as “do or die” affairs, are alive strong and thirsty. Reports from investigations reveal that they are preparing to cause trouble or create civil disturbances during and after the 2019 elections. There are a lot of pointers to that. The frequency of interception of arms and ammunitions on the Nigerian borders and within the country by the Nigeria Customs and security agencies has received wide media reportage. It calls for concern and no reasonable citizen will prefer to die or allow his children or relatives to die or be killed for the election of politicians some of who have been described as “thieves”.
It had been the case before that every general elections caused the loss of innocent Nigerians, some who operate as political thugs used to snatch ballot boxes, for multiple thumb printing, for intimidation of political opponents and for even outright assassination of political oppositions. All these were quite possible with the connivance or direct involvement of political office holders. Even the security outfits, to some extent, compromised their duties for the office holders. It used to be harrowing experiences.
Now that another tough democratic but electioneering event is coming, it is paramount on the Nigerian security to safeguard the citizenry with whatever style that is possible. If the elephant or lion can be invited to dance, let it be done with alacrity.
It is a very welcome development for the Nigerian Army to launch “Operation Python Dance III” to checkmate violent groups and ethnic militia and to ensure a successful 2019 election.
Muhammad Ajah,
Abuja.
and then