Three lessons about insecurity in Nigeria, By Chidi Anselm Odinkalu

First, insecurity will never be solved under the watch of any president who prefers hearing what he wants to hear to hearing what he needs to know. Second, when presidents play fast and loose with public safety and security, the effects can be very durable. Third, public officers charged with protecting the country are unfit for purpose if they choose to be presidential courtiers preoccupied with preserving intimate relationships between their derriere and the glue that holds it to office.

Nigeria’s return to civil rule has proved to be far more trying than many had hoped it would be. Of the challenges that emerged in its wake, few have proved to be as durable or chronic as that of guaranteeing public safety and security in the country. From the onset of the return to elective rule, the country has battled insecurity.

Following the retreat of the military to the barracks on 29 May 1999, the security situation in the country ran amok. The contest for money,…