A former Defence spokesperson, Maj-Gen John Enenche (rtd), has urged the Federal Government to divert funds allocated for constituency projects to security operations, arguing that protecting communities must come before development initiatives.
Enenche made the remark on Sunday, December 7, during an interview on Sunday Politics, a Channels Television programme monitored by First Daily, while reacting to the rising cases of abductions involving women and schoolchildren.
“I want to suggest that money given to lawmakers for constituency projects should go to security instead. If you don’t save the constituency, what project will you do there?” he said.
He recommended a shift to indigenous homeland security, proposing mass recruitment of local youths to strengthen community defence systems.
“Let’s adopt indigenous homeland security and recruit our youths even someone living with HIV or hepatitis can join the force,” he added.
READ ALSO: Constituency Projects Distract Lawmakers, Scrap Them — FCT Rep
Enenche said the recruitment process should be simplified to allow more Nigerians to participate in local security structures.
“What I would suggest is that you don’t need special recruitment. You don’t need special screening.
“Somebody carrying HIV can be part of that force. Somebody carry hepatitis can be part of that force, but they will not even go into the Army. No, they want to live where God has put them,” he said.
He noted that these measures would help stabilise communities and create a safer foundation for development projects.