Dele Awogbeoba,
a political analyst, writes on the announcement by the chief of army
staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai that the Nigerian Army is setting up
grazing reserves in their barracks in all states of the federation.
From 1967,
Nigeria has been operating a federal system of government. Under
civilian rule, that has ensured that power is dispersed between the
federal, state and local governments. Each layer of government have
their own powers distinct from the other.
State governments have the power to
regulate economic activity and commerce within its state borders. The
army, Navy and Airforce have to abide by local , state and federal law
especially as it pertains to commercial activities outside of its core
duties of the protection of the state from external aggression and the
protection of the state from internal terrorist actors.
In that vein, it is highly curious that
the chief of army staff, General Tukur Buratai would announce an
intention to set up grazing reserves within its barracks located in
states of the federation. It is also curious that of all activities that
may be embarked upon within barracks, the army will choose to ranches
as its chosen field with which to allow dependents of its rank and file
to embark upon on Army property.
It is clearly a method designed to
circumvent the resistance of the country to the establishment of ranches
throughout the country for the benefit of a single ethnic group.
The solution, in my mind, is very clear.
Those states that have decided to pass laws preventing grazing within
states unless in designated areas, should make it clear in their laws
that Army, Naval and Airforce Barracks shall not be deemed to be a
designated area for the purposes of the law. It should also prescribe a
10 year prison sentence for the commander of that Cantonment and if that
officer was compelled by a senior officer to permit such activity then
that senior officer will be liable to be sentenced to that prison term.
Additionally, if the Chief of Army staff had been notified and had
failed to give orders to the commanding officer of the offending
barracks then that army chief must also be liable to that same 10 year
prison term.
States should not be cowed. This is a
civilian government and there is true federalism in place. The states
simply need to give effect to the dichotomy of power between the state
and the federal government.
The army , over the last few years, have
been an embarrassment to Nigerians as credible fighting force. It is
better that it expends its energy improving upon its core area of
specialism rather than acting on the behest of the interests of a single
tribe in Nigeria.
Dele Awogbeoba is a political commentator. He can be reached via email HERE.
The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.
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