From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Former military governor of Delta State, Air Commodore Luke Ochulor (rtd) is highly disturbed by the insecurity challenges in his state, Imo and the entire Southeast.
He, therefore, proffered professional solution to the issue, urging the state governors to put heads together to tackle the menace.
He also spoke on other national issues. Excerpts:
What’s your reaction to the insistence by the Central Bank of Nigeria that circulation of the old naira notes should cease, despite complaints of shortage of the new naira notes?
Well, it’s a policy we have to accept, firstly, it will help to swirl up the economy of Nigeria although it may have its own adverse effects, it may not be easy for the rural people to meet up with the date, especially those who’re doing petty trading and other small businesses. However, it’s good that it catches the bourgeoisie unawares, because there are some people who believe money is everything, at every point, they’re storing huge amount of money and it’s affecting the ordinary man on the street. I believe the step taken by CBN is an important one, it will help the economy of the country and it will help prevent too much hoarding of the naira. Secondly, if the economy is not controlled by this policy, there would be no end to kidnapping since they’re always asking for money, it will reach a point where we would go cashless and if that happens, the business of the kidnappers becomes unproductive. So, regarding the deadline, it’s better to take a decision than no decision at all. You should bear in mind that there’s nothing you do that people will not complain, hardship may come in because of it, the banks may not have enough to go round, but honestly, I must tell you, I’m very happy for this redesigning of some denominations. We may not have money, but I think it’s a very strategic step.
What do you think should be the priority of the incoming president of Nigeria?
In 1999, we made a suggestion to General Olusegun Obasanjo when he became president; he told us to keep our suggestions to ourselves, that he knew what to do, since then, people like us have not been advising, you may say something now and they would say it’s what we’re used to hearing, so let’s reach the bridge before we can cross it.
But what do you think is the most difficult challenge facing the country now?
I don’t want to mention things that are obvious, if you look at it, everybody is saying the same thing, it would look like a broken gramophone. So, I don’t want to join issues with them, we would allow the election to take place, whoever that wins, he becomes the president, then we would look at his background and know how to address him or her. The only problem we have is for them to lower their arms and let’s have a free, fair and credible election because that’s the best election, and whoever rigs election will always suffer the repercussion.
As one versed in the area of security, what would you say about the renewed spate of insecurity in Imo State, starting from the attacks on Chief Ikedi Ohakim, the CUPP spokesperson, Ikenga Ugochinyere and others?
Well, the man who has no idea of doing something could always go ahead and do something. The insecurity in Imo State is worrying everybody both outside and inside, we never bargained for this, we never anticipated we are going to be in this mess. It’s important to state that war is human activity and it’s caused by mankind, and as long as this insecurity continues, the economy of the state will continue to dwindle. If nothing is done quickly, it may degenerate to an uncontrollable situation. The natural law is that when a man is running and faces a brickwall, the best thing for him is to look back at what is chasing him. I’ve always mentioned that the security of a state lies with the Federal Government because by our constitution, our army and police are controlled by the Federal Government. So, the government could either apply kinetic or non-kinetic approach to solve the problem, but look at the North where it started from, it is not abetting at all. It’s really painful, as I’m here now, if I tell you I have an answer, I must be lying. Prof. Green Nwankwo when I was discussing with him when he was made a traditional ruler, I asked him, how are you going to manage this, you’ve been a professor and former Chairman of Union Bank, how can you combine it, managing a community? He said the problem is not the community, but who to trust, that’s the fear, fear of the unknown, it’s a pity that those perpetuating these are not being arrested. If they do, they would have been sheathing their sword, so it’s escalating because not much is being done to arrest those perpetuating this crime.
What do you say of this blame game between the Imo State government and the opposition party, PDP, both have been accusing each other of being behind the insecurity in the state?
I’ve said this before, if the governors of the Southeast could come together to minimise the level of insecurity in the zone, just like Southwest, they came together and formed Amotekun, then, there must be result. But I want you to point out a day they have sat together to solve the problem of the zone, blame game will never solve our problem. The most important thing is to throw politics aside, you cannot continue to play politics when people are losing their lives and respect, people can no longer live a normal life and go to bed with their two eyes closed. I did tell you that when the problem of Boko Haram started, that they should declare a state of emergency.
Don’t you think that the problem is politically motivated?
I don’t think it is, the problem is that people are playing politics with it, I believe this has to do with so much drug intake, yet the NDLEA is not arresting them.
Nnamdi Kanu is still in detention despite his discharge by the court, do you think it’s right for the Federal Government to still keep him there?
Right from beginning, this is what they did with Ralph Uwazuruike operating with MASSOB. I never believed in arresting any of these youths who are protesting, no need for me to complain now because in the first place, it was never necessary arresting him. There would always be protest especially about what’s happening in the country, if you go ahead to arrest him, you must as well arrest everybody.