Human rights activist Frank Tietie has urged the Federal Government to assert the authority of the Nigerian state against individuals and groups undermining the country’s sovereignty, saying stronger enforcement of the law is critical to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
His remarks come amid renewed concerns over persistent attacks by terrorists, bandits and separatist groups across parts of the country, as security experts continue to call for tougher measures to curb insecurity.
Tietie spoke on Tuesday at the National Security Dialogue organised by First Daily Media Network in Abuja, where he argued that the Nigerian state must demonstrate greater resolve in enforcing the law and protecting its sovereignty.
According to him, there was a time when those who committed crimes were certain they would be apprehended and prosecuted, but that certainty has diminished over the years.
“There was a time in this country where, if you committed a crime, you were certain that you would be punished. If you killed somebody, you would be tracked down wherever you were in this country and made to face the law,” he said.
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The human rights activist stressed that the authority of the Nigerian state must remain supreme, irrespective of who occupies political office, noting that the protection of the country’s sovereignty is fundamental to national security.
He cited Sheikh Ahmad Gumi and Nnamdi Kanu, arguing that individuals whose actions undermine the authority of the state should be held accountable under the law.
Tietie also addressed the issue of emergency rule, saying a state of emergency should not necessarily be interpreted as a suspension of the law but as the application of extraordinary constitutional measures. He, however, questioned the use of emergency provisions to advance governance measures through a voice vote in the National Assembly, describing the approach as unusual.
He further advocated greater policing powers for state governors, arguing that effective governance requires adequate authority to enforce the law.
Tietie maintained that restoring confidence in the justice system through consistent enforcement of the law is essential to tackling insecurity and strengthening the authority of the Nigerian state.