Retired Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Audu-Bida, the Chairman of International Emergency Management and Engineering Society, Nigeria/West Africa Chapter, says the military needs political will to end insurgency in the country.
Audu-Bida, a former Director-General of NEMA, said this in Abuja on Friday while briefing newsmen.
He said that the military has the capability to curb insurgency as they were well trained and experienced, noting however that political will is lacking.
He said: “I know the standard of the Air Force I commanded many years ago.
“I know the standard I left the armed forces of Nigeria and when these things happen and they say that they cannot do anything, it baffles us.
“Those of us who had just left the service we believe that a lot could be done if there is the will as we know what it is and what the boys can do with aircraft.
“The military has the capability.
“They need the political will to do something.
“It is a sad thing that insurgents can hold us to ransom because I know what we did in Liberia.”
Audu-Bida said that the military should be allowed by political authorities to carry out their duties unfettered by political, ethnic or religious coloration and sentiments.
On the Ebola Virus Disease, the retired AVM recalled that when it erupted, the society called for the closure of Nigeria’s borders to prevent its outbreak in the country, but the advice was not taken.
Audu-Bida explained that they advocated that the borders should be closed until structures were on ground and luckily government earmarked some money to combat the disease.
He explained that TIEMES was a non-profit organisation established in Washington and registered in Dallas, Texas, USA.
He said TIEMES Nigeria/West Africa was approved by TIEMES International in 2014 and registered by the Nigerian Government.
Audu-Bida said the focus of the organisation is to provide a forum for policy guidance to government bodies concerning the management of emergencies and disasters.
He said: “Raising awareness on technical solutions involving computers, communications and information technology and social sciences to provide emergency and disaster managers with helpful decision support.
“Establish a multi-discipline all hazards approach to tackle emergencies and disasters.”
On her part, the Chairman of I–Nigerian Initiative, Ada Apiafi, said that the present security challenges occasioned by insurgency and lately Ebola pandemic are issues that all well-meaning Nigerians need to give utmost priority.
Apiafi, who is the convener of the session, said that I-Nigerian Initiative supports TIEMES and other similar bodies to promote peace and restore the dignity of being Nigerian.