By Peter Duru, Makurdi

A University Don and President, Historical Society of Nigeria, Prof. Samuel Aghalino,
has cautioned that the growing spate of insecurity across the country poses the biggest threat to Nigeria’s democracy and unity.

Dr. Aghalino sounded the warning Tuesday in Makurdi during the lecture he delivered to mark the 63rd Birthday Anniversary of the former Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, with the theme, ‘Democracy, Insecurity and the Future of Nigeria: Reading the Mind of Dr. Samuel Ortom.’

According to him, “the biggest threat to one Nigeria, and democracy and the means of achieving it, is the growing spate of insecurity across Nigeria.

“Insecurity in any nation does the exact opposite of what democracy seeks to do. While democracy seeks to create a conducive environment for positive social interactions, harmony, and national cohesion; insecurity puts people apart.”

Prof. Aghalino from the Department of History and International Studies,  University of Ilorin, pointed out that insecuriry keeps people in perpetual fear, “this condition is peremptory and vitiates the dream of one Nigeria in the sense that, while democracy tries to preserve the fundamental human rights of people; insecurity in a nation erodes them.

“Insecurity as a threat to Nigeria is evident in the growing cases of farmer-herder conflict, Boko Haram terrorism, kidnapping and hostage-taking, banditry, secessionist agitation of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), and Niger Delta militancy, have all conspired to make life unbearable and unsafe in Nigeria.

“Thus, one Nigeria, as a construct and aspiration is observed more in the breach as centrifugal forces are tearing the nation at the seams.”

Continuing, the University Don said the former Governor Ortom played a significant role in expanding the frontiers of democracy at the sub-national and national levels in Nigeria.

He noted that the former Benue State Governor “is a Nigerian political actor who,  by his words and deeds, is a true defender of the people. As a politician, Ortom contributed in no small measure to the actualisation of one Nigeria through good governance and visionary leadership that powers democracy.

“In putting the people first as a true democrat, Ortom prioritized the security of life and properties of Benue people and Nigerians in general by serving as the voice of the voiceless. His landmark measures at securing the interest of Benue farmers are exemplary. These measures cemented his place in Nigerian history as a man of the people.

“Reading the mind of this powerful politician and believer in justice and fair play, we found that responsible, transparent, and accountable leadership are the surest ways to achieve the one Nigeria vision of the founding fathers of the country.

“The ability to carefully synthesise and imbibe good leadership devoid of entrenched interest is a sinequanon for making democracy workable and for sustaining lasting peace and security in the country.

“As a historian, I make bold to say that generous pages are reserved for Samuel Ortom in the chronicles and the history of Benue state, the Benue valley, and resistance politics in Nigeria in general.”