The Director of the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS), Prof. Anthony Kila, has defended Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s directive asking Fulani leaders to identify criminals and terrorists within their communities, describing the move as a legitimate step in tackling insecurity.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News monitored by The News Chronicle (TNC), Kila said no one should oppose genuine government efforts aimed at combating terrorism and violent crime.
“Anybody who fights a government for doing something to fight insecurity should be treated as a suspect of the state,” he said.
Kila also backed the government’s position that individuals who engage in hate speech should be prosecuted, adding that the courts should determine what constitutes hate speech under the law.
“The government is right to say that anyone who gives hate speech should face the law, and the courts should define that,” he said.
He urged state governments to take all lawful measures necessary to protect lives and property but cautioned against stereotyping any ethnic group.
According to him, while criminal elements must be identified and prosecuted, it is wrong to label an entire ethnic group, including Fulani people, as terrorists.
“There is an underlying issue in labeling a whole group of people, such as Fulani, as terrorists. Any individual or group found promoting violence or hate should be dealt with, regardless of ethnicity,” Kila said.
He commended Governor Bago for taking what he described as proactive steps to strengthen security in the state.
Commenting on reprisals against individuals who publicly condemn terrorism, Kila said some people openly or quietly attempt to justify acts of terrorism, insisting that such attitudes should not be tolerated.
“There are people, visible and invisible, who justify terrorism,” he said.
Kila, however, advocated a hardline approach against terrorists, saying he does not support policies centred on rehabilitation and reintegration for those involved in terrorism.
“I am on the extreme. I believe terrorism should be treated harshly, not through rehabilitation and reintegration into society,” he said.
He added that those who support or sympathise with terrorists should face the full weight of the law, while individuals who expose terrorist activities should receive government protection and support.
“Those who support terrorism are not good people, and the fear of the state should be put in them. Those who speak out against terrorism should be empowered,” he said.
Kila further argued that insecurity persists where the state fails to maintain what he described as a superior and legitimate use of force.
“It is a failure of the state when it cannot provide superior legitimate force,” he said.
He also maintained that anyone maintaining close ties with terrorists should be regarded as an enemy of the state.
“If somebody is a friend of terrorists, such a person should be considered an enemy of the state,” he added.
Emphasising his position on the fight against terrorism, Kila concluded: “You don’t understand your enemies; you vanquish them.”
source: NAN
