By LEKE ADESERI, Oscarline Onwuemenyi & NDAHI MARAMA
ABUJA — Former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), has made a case for the creation of state Police to effectively check the wave of terrorist attacks by militant groups across the country.

This came as Boko Haram, yesterday, named three northern governors as  brains behind Akhwat Akwop, a new radical Christian rival group in the north.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin, has expressed the resolve of the government to flush out members of the Islamic sect.

Babangida, who spoke, yesterday, at a seminar on the “Transformation Agenda: An Instrument for Promoting Democratic Culture in Nigeria,” organised by the Institute for Security Studies, ISS, in Abuja, also noted that the coming into effect of the Freedom of Information, FoI, Act would no doubt strengthen the arm of the media, especially in the area of access to sensitive government information.

He argued that the need to return the nation to the path of fiscal federalism must not be lost on those in authority, in order to create a just and fair society for all Nigerians.

He said: “In view of our growing concerns about security, the need to reconsider the option of introducing state Police becomes more imperative than ever before.

“Democracy and development can hardly thrive in an atmosphere of violence and insecurity. We must, therefore, leverage on the opportunity provided by the proposed fresh start to diligently address the constant threat posed on national stability by activities of restive youths in our midst who unleash terror and mayhem on innocent citizens on a daily basis without the slightest provocation.”

Also speaking in a paper at the seminar, a former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani, said the nation could not achieve meaningful development beyond a certain level without first improving its democratic culture.

3 govs behind Akhwat Akwop

Meanwhile, a terse statement posted on the Boko Haram website yesterday, said: “We know the sponsors of Akhwat Akwop and are ready for them.”

The Boko Haram blog also tried to incite Nigerians against the leadership when it attempted to reveal what it claims the governors and their wives engaged in.

The statement said: “Look at what your governors and their wives use their past-time to engage with, instead of serving the masses— planting flowers.”

No hiding place for sect members—CDS

Petinrin who spoke to newsmen in Maiduguri when he addressed members of the Joint Task Force (JTF) at their Base in Pompomari ward area of the Metropolis said there would be no hiding place for any member of the Islamic sect who have for long been terrorizing innocent people.

He said: “Those who are calling for a dialogue between government and the sect are only doing so because, our constitution guarantees freedom of expression and right to voice out their opinion, in which such opinions could not deter the military to flush them out of the society.”

The CDS also condemned the recent calls by some Borno elders on the withdrawal of the JTF from Borno, saying those calling for the withdrawal of the troops stay in the GRA, and they want the military to leave.

On the alleged excesses of his men, he said five soldiers who were involved are currently facing trial, and if found guilty, would equally face a disciplinary action from the military.