Nigerian military can end terror in three months with political will- Nwanyanwu

 

 

Zenith Labour Party Chairman, Dan  Nwanyanwu, has urged President Bola Tinubu and state governors to adopt the Enugu security model as a national template for tackling banditry and terrorism, insisting the military can defeat the “ragtag” groups with firm political will. He also dismissed any argument for power returning to the North, saying the region has had its fair share. David Lawani monitored his interview on Channels TV’s’ Politics Today’

 

 

What is your take on the new appointment of the Minister of Defence?

This is easily the best appointment President Tinubu has made so far. When he was removed as Chief of Defence Staff, even people who didn’t know him personally wondered why. Nigerians felt strongly that “this man is working, something is working.” So many questioned the rationale behind his removal. We only got some consolation because his successor, an infantryman, General Oluyode, also brought competence and energy to the job. But now that he has been brought back as Minister of Defence, you can see Nigerians everywhere reacting with joy. It shows the level of confidence people have in him. This appointment should energise him to go all out, coordinating and working in synergy with the security services and the Service Chiefs. He must ensure that the security problems confronting the country are addressed with the seriousness and urgency they deserve.

 

 

What is your take on women’s participation in politics?

Regarding women, we have already taken a clear position. At the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), we have signed documents supporting the creation of special seats for women. Political parties have been encouraged to place more women in leadership positions, regardless of ideology or party structure. We pushed these commitments even when I was still in the Labour Party. We believe in giving women more space in politics, especially women with capacity and knowledge. If the bill currently before the National Assembly passes, it will be a breakthrough. The current representation of women is too low—whether in the State Houses of Assembly, the House of Representatives or the Senate. We need women who bring a different lens and perspective, not just symbolic representation. Political parties, as of two months ago, have already signed commitments, and we have attended numerous conferences on this. It is time for the National Assembly to vote swiftly and not delay.

 

 

The next step on that bill is a vote by the National Assembly. Do you foresee challenges?

Based on the signals we are receiving, I do not foresee any significant challenges. It will pass.

 

 

Our nation is facing a crisis. Donald Trump even said he may intervene. Do you see President Tinubu rising to the occasion?

I believe President Tinubu has finally risen to the occasion—before Nigerians descended fully into fear and helplessness. I have said repeatedly that for the Nigerian military, this ongoing security challenge is an ‘akamu’ case.

 

 

Meaning what exactly, simple?

A straightforward case. Banditry and terrorism, as they appear today in Nigeria, are very simple for the Nigerian military to defeat.

 

 

 

Why then has it appeared so difficult?

Because there has been no political will. No clear directives. No consistent, authoritative instruction from the top. That is the reality. That is the intelligence many of us have received. There were even signals at some point suggesting that the terrorists would be “called back,” whatever that means. When former President Jonathan said that Boko Haram had infiltrated his government, many didn’t take him seriously. But he was correct. Then former President Buhari came and, under his watch, we saw cases, documented cases, of supposed ‘repentant’ insurgents being integrated into the military.

 

 

Are you saying repentant Boko Haram members were honestly admitted into the Nigerian Army?

If something was publicly reported and documented during Buhari’s administration and it was never denied, then it is not something we can pretend never happened. Nigerians saw it. Tell me: how will you succeed when the military itself becomes internally compromised or conflicted? Nigeria has participated in more complicated counterinsurgency and global peacekeeping operations than this. I have personally met many of our officers who served in international theatres. These are well-trained people, with strong instincts and discipline. As far back as 1992, you could already see how skilled they were. But today, many are disillusioned. Give them the appropriate orders and tools, and they will clear this mess in less than three months. What is happening now is that President Tinubu has realised that if we do not address this situation, it will consume all of us. The Senate President said Trump is now “on our neck.” Meanwhile, someone else told me Trump is “on our legs.” If Trump must be on our neck permanently for us to resolve this nonsense, then please stay there, Trump. We have made a caricature of ourselves. How can we allow terrorists to boast that the government can do nothing? They now brag openly that they are in Ondo, in Edo, everywhere, and that nothing can be done. This is false. The Nigerian Army can clear this nonsense.

 

 

Critics say the Defence Minister does not have operational command powers. How do you respond?

That position is not ceremonial. The Minister of Defence plays a critical strategic leadership role. Coordination, oversight, intelligence interpretation, high-level assessments—these are not small responsibilities.

 

 

But the Service Chiefs and Commanders still have direct operational control, no?

Yes, but they all work in synergy. When you are fighting a common enemy, the distinctions matter less. The Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff and all Service Chiefs attend the same security meetings. They develop and approve joint strategies. Unless there’s a hidden agenda somewhere, there should be no conflict in that structure. Look at the Jonathan era. They agreed to gas the Sambisa Forest, and two days later, American drones found the terrorists wearing masks. Who leaked the plan? Who undermined the operation? These are serious questions. The Senate President recently asked who ordered soldiers to withdraw from the school environment shortly before those innocent children were kidnapped. Only 30 minutes later, the bandits struck. Nigerians deserve answers.

 

 

Southern governors and monarchs recently met in Ogun State and resolved to defend their communities. Northern governors also met and called for the suspension of mining licences. What is your view?

I keep referring to Buhari’s era because that was when Nigeria dropped to rock bottom. He oversaw the disarmament of law-abiding Nigerians, including those with legal licences. He ensured they had no means of protection. With citizens disarmed, Boko Haram and bandits grew stronger and attacked everyone. We must remember General T.Y. Danjuma’s warning two years ago: “If you wait to be defended, you will die. Defend yourselves.” This is why state policing is essential. Forest guards know their environment. Local vigilantes know every footpath. Abuja cannot direct forest guards effectively because Abuja doesn’t know the forests in my village. Let locals control the regional security architecture. Let them identify who is a stranger and who belongs.

 

 

But without constitutional backing, state police cannot legally operate. Don’t we need amendments?

Yes, and this worsening situation will push the National Assembly to act. Even Abuja recently had security scares. When the threat becomes close enough, lawmakers will act with urgency. They can amend the Constitution in one week if they genuinely want to.

 

 

Enugu is using an advanced security template, AI-driven facial recognition, drone surveillance covering neighbouring states. Why can’t other governors adopt such innovations?

When you see something good, you copy it. That is how societies improve. In the First Republic, when Ibadan was built, Azikiwe established Nsukka, and Ahmadu Bello University grew. There is nothing wrong with “copy and paste,” especially in governance. I have spoken about Governor Mbah several times. His model is brilliant. Nothing happens in or around Enugu today without surveillance detection. People are paid to monitor the feeds. Did Mbah drop from heaven? No. As the saying goes, “Good thinking, good product.” Yet the billions spent on the Abuja CCTV project disappeared, and today nobody talks about it. Meanwhile, Enugu, with far fewer resources, has achieved what the federal government could not. Mbah’s template should be adopted nationwide, especially in the North-East and North-West.

 

 

The NASS probe into the failed Abuja CCTV project has faded. What do you think happened?

It is gone. Buried. Forgotten. Hundreds of millions of dollars spent, taxpayers’ money, yet Nigeria remains insecure. This is why I say Governor Mbah’s model should become a national template. It is practical, effective and cost-efficient.

 

 

At the Imo Investment Summit, even a former British Prime Minister attended. Why don’t Nigerians believe in Nigeria the way foreigners do?

First, I must congratulate Governor Hope Uzodimma. The calibre of guests he invited shows capacity and vision. I watched the event. I actually received an invitation, but I was busy with IPAC elections. What I saw at that summit was impressive. For such global personalities to attend, they must recognise competence and potential. It shows that Nigeria is not without hope—our problem is leadership. I listened to Boris Johnson. I listened to Ban Ki-moon. The size and quality of the gathering were extraordinary. Only a governor with capacity, clarity and confidence can assemble minds like that.

 

 

Opposition voices are weakening. Is Nigeria drifting into one-party dominance?

Every political party aims to win elections by strategy or persuasion. Whether Nigeria becomes a one-party state depends on whether opposition parties choose to surrender. Nobody is forced to defect. People decide to defect. There are still political parties, regardless of size, operating firmly as opposition.

 

 

Does that include your party? Are you in opposition?

Yes, absolutely. We are constructive opposition. We do not scatter our garments into the fire because others are doing so. Our consistency is clear. When I say President Tinubu has woken up, it is because he has taken the proper steps. Opposition should not be childish.

 

 

Some believe opposition leaders have been bought over. What is your response?

Nobody in IPAC has been bought over. I can say that boldly.

 

 

Can you say the same for yourself?

I cannot be bought over. Ever.

 

 

What about your colleagues?

Most of them have integrity. Many lack access to major platforms, so they speak through social media or press statements. Let me tell you something from history: years ago, some of us were offered millions of dollars to compromise. I, Dan Nwanyanwu, rejected it. Integrity is priceless.

 

 

Was this during the Third Term agenda?

Please do not ask me who offered the money. But I can tell you—we were never involved in that scheme. Some of us derive joy from resisting bad establishments. You cannot buy conviction.

 

 

You said the opposition’s collapse began in 2023. Why?

The then-opposition leadership abandoned its own rules, triggering mass defections, confusion, arrogance, and internal sabotage. One careless error almost destroyed the entire opposition system. Even in 2015, Jonathan was betrayed by his own people. The PDP Chairman told us on Air Force One why Nigerians would not vote for Jonathan. He openly gave four reasons. I challenged him: “Are you not the party chairman?” Yet moments later, he mounted the stage and campaigned for Jonathan as if he believed in him. That hypocrisy destroyed the party.

 

 

Should former President Jonathan run again?

I don’t know. I plan to see him soon. But he should be cautious. The same people calling him today are the same people who betrayed him yesterday. They want him to clean their mess. Let the situation worsen first; when it reaches a certain point, they will remember what they did to him.

 

 

Why do political parties keep having crises?

Because many people refuse to obey party rules, zoning principles will keep power in the South for the next four years. When I say this, they accuse me of supporting Tinubu. Who told you I cannot run? Is Aso Rock not open to Nigerians? But fairness requires that Buhari’s eight years be balanced with eight years for the South, whether it is Tinubu, Peter Obi or even me.

 

 

Could it be Amaechi?

Yes, he is another capable and credible southerner.

 

 

How can the issue of Nnamdi Kanu be resolved?

President Tinubu did not create the Nnamdi Kanu problem; he inherited it. I have said before, and I repeat, that I will not be swayed by whatever the courts decide. I believe Nnamdi Kanu did nothing to deserve this persecution. Whether people like it or not, Nnamdi Kanu is being persecuted because of the deep-rooted, historic prejudice that some Nigerians, and particularly those in power, hold against the Igbo people.