Ex-Niger gov Babangida recommends death sentence for security agents’ killers
Former Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu, has urged for the death penalty to be imposed on individuals who kill security personnel, describing it as a necessary deterrent amidst the alarming rise in attacks on military and paramilitary officers.
Aliyu made the statement on Saturday during the graduation ceremony of the Executive Intelligence Management Course 17 at the National Institute of Security Studies (NISS) in Abuja. The event was attended by top dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu (represented by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu), Vice President Kashim Shettima (represented by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike), Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa, and DSS Director-General Adéọlá Oluwatosin Àjàyí.
Aliyu criticised state governors for their over-reliance on the federal government to address security challenges, urging them to take responsibility by effectively utilising their security votes. He also stressed the need for a symbiotic relationship between citizens and the government to foster patriotism.
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“Patriotism comes as the result of a symbiotic relationship between the government and the governed. If the government protects me, why would I not love my government?” he said.
Aliyu also addressed Nigeria’s controversial tax reform bills, emphasising the federal government’s failure to effectively communicate their content. He urged the government to prioritise clear communication to avoid misunderstandings, particularly on policies with significant impacts.
The bills, including the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024, have sparked widespread debate, with northern governors opposing the derivation-based VAT distribution model.
Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasised the importance of addressing modern security challenges, including cyber warfare and disinformation. He urged the graduating class to use their training to transform crises into opportunities.
DSS Director-General Àjàyí highlighted improved collaboration among security agencies, expressing optimism about Nigeria’s security future. He assured enhanced synergy would enable Nigerians to sleep soundly again soon.
The graduation, which included 91 participants from Nigeria and five other countries—Chad, The Gambia, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Rwanda—also saw Vice President Shettima praising the graduates’ potential to lead innovative security solutions.
Aliyu’s strong recommendation for the death penalty for killers of security personnel underscores the gravity of the ongoing security crisis. As Nigeria grapples with these challenges, leaders at all levels are urged to take decisive actions to protect the nation’s security forces.
Written by Sakinat Musa Abubakar, Editor at Neptune Prime
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