"Negotiate with Bandits for Lasting Peace and Prosperity" - Ex-Minister's Bold Proposal

 

Adebayo Shittu

Former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has advocated for a non-kinetic approach to dealing with the crisis of banditry in Nigeria, urging the Federal Government to negotiate with bandits and provide them with a promising future. Shittu, who served in President Muhammadu Buhari's administration, expressed his views during an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today program.

In his statement, Shittu emphasized the potential of negotiation as a means to address the banditry issue, stating, "If I am in position, it is not too late to use non-kinetic measures in negotiating with bandits, giving them a promising future." He highlighted the intelligence and physical capabilities of many bandits, suggesting that retaining and engaging them could lead to positive outcomes.

Shittu pointed out the disparity between military spending on equipment and the effectiveness of negotiation, stating that the former outweighs the latter. He lamented the situation of millions of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria, whom he referred to as a "production factory for banditry." To address this, he proposed negotiating with bandits for the purpose of resettlement, rehabilitation, and retraining.

While advocating for negotiation, Shittu underscored the importance of finding a lasting solution to the banditry crisis. He emphasized the need for peace and for bandits to lay down their arms and contribute positively to nation-building. Shittu argued that bandits, as citizens of Nigeria, deserve a chance at rehabilitation and skills training to reintegrate into society.

Regarding the financial aspect, Shittu suggested that redirecting funds from excessive spending on arms and ammunition towards negotiation and rehabilitation programs could be more effective in addressing the banditry problem. He emphasized the necessity of negotiation as a post-conflict measure, urging a shift from a purely military approach to a combination of negotiation and rehabilitation.

Additionally, Shittu proposed the creation of state police as a means to empower governors and enhance security at the local level. He highlighted the need for effective governance structures to complement efforts in addressing security challenges.

Despite Shittu's recommendations, it's noted that the current administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, maintains a stance against negotiating with bandits, despite the prevalence of kidnapping-for-ransom incidents. The recent abduction of hundreds of residents, including schoolchildren, from Kuriga in Kaduna State underscores the urgency of addressing the banditry crisis in Nigeria.

In conclusion, Shittu's advocacy for negotiating with bandits and providing them with a promising future reflects a perspective aimed at addressing the root causes of banditry in Nigeria. However, the effectiveness of such an approach remains a subject of debate amidst ongoing security challenges in the country.

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