Former Minister Adebayo Shittu Calls on President Tinubu’s Government to Negotiate with Bandits for Promising Future
Adebayo Shittu, a former Minister of Communication, has advocated for the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to engage in negotiations with bandits, promising them a hopeful future. Shittu emphasized that many of these bandits possess valuable skills and abilities that could be utilized for the nation’s benefit.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today program on Tuesday, Shittu highlighted the potential benefits of adopting a non-kinetic approach to address the issue of banditry in the country. He suggested that providing promising prospects and opportunities for bandits could lead to positive outcomes and contribute to resolving the security challenges facing Nigeria.
“If I were in a position of authority, I would consider utilizing non-kinetic methods to negotiate with bandits and offer them a hopeful future. We should consider retaining them, as many of them possess intelligence and physical capabilities,” Shittu remarked.
The former minister also drew attention to the alarming number of out-of-school children in northern Nigeria, describing it as a “production factory for banditry” in the country. He stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, lack of education, and unemployment, to effectively tackle the issue of banditry.
Shittu’s call for negotiations with bandits comes amidst similar appeals from other quarters, including controversial Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi. Gumi has been vocal in urging the federal government to engage in dialogue with bandits, arguing that negotiation offers a viable solution to the ongoing security crisis.
Gumi specifically cautioned President Tinubu against adopting the same stance as former President Muhammadu Buhari, who refused to negotiate with bandits during his tenure. The cleric believes that engaging in dialogue with bandits is essential for addressing the root causes of insecurity and achieving lasting peace in the country.
The issue of negotiating with bandits remains a subject of debate and controversy in Nigeria, with divergent opinions on the efficacy and morality of such an approach. While proponents argue that negotiation could lead to the release of hostages and de-escalate violence, critics express concerns about the potential legitimization of criminal activities and the risk of emboldening perpetrators.
As the nation grapples with the challenges of insecurity, finding a sustainable solution to the menace of banditry remains a top priority for the government and stakeholders. The debate surrounding negotiation with bandits underscores the complexity of the issue and the need for comprehensive strategies that address the underlying causes of insecurity while ensuring the protection of citizens’ lives and property.
