A former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), and a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, speaks in this interview with Ben Ogbemudia and Linus Aleke on the recent overrunning of the terrorist enclave in Sambisa forest by the Nigerian Military in the ongoing war against terrorism, insurgency and other sundry crimes. He also speaks about issues in the just concluded APC convention and the Igbo presidency

We understand you are aspiring to govern Abia State, after successfully, leading the Nigerian Army as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). What informed your decision to throw your hat in the ring ahead of the 2023 general elections?

I am preoccupied now with the business of enhancing the standing of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), in Abia state. The party is working towards the success of the nation. So, we are focused on the objectives of the party, which, is aimed at speeding up development in Abia State. This is because development in the state is very backward today, and it is unacceptable to the people. However, as we work towards that, my aspiration would unfold properly. What I can tell you now, is that when we get to the bridge, to get the flag bearers for the party, we shall cross it. I don’t want to say more than that for now.

There was a serious crisis that preceded today’s convention. How was your party able to manoeuvre this crisis that ostensibly threatened to confine the party to the abyss of history, considering the legal duel amongst interest groups in the party?

I think it is normal in a democracy, to have divergent views and preferences. I am happy that the party is leaving up to expectations. It is a challenge that when overcome, will make the party stronger.

The South East has practically metamorphosed into the theatre of war, following the reckless killings by the so-called, “Unknown gunmen,” if you actualize your aspiration to govern Abia State in 2023. What are you going to do as the State Chief Executive and former Army Chief to change the paradigm?

We expect that whoever emerges governor of any of the South Eastern States, should take the security of lives and properties his or her priority. This is because the security of life and property is the primary purpose of government.

There are calls by the Igbo nation, which, you are one, that it is the turn of the Igbo to produce the next President of Nigeria for equity and fairness. Do you subscribe to this type of view and argument?

Sure, I do. Igbo have a lot of qualified persons who can do things differently. So, it is a good aspiration, which requires a lot of support from other segments of Nigeria. Above all, as I said earlier, whoever finally emerges as the flag bearer of the party, is expected to be supported by every member of the party. Such a person must also continue to make the unity of Nigeria a priority.

You are a former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), and your successes in fighting the Boko Haram terrorists were public knowledge. Why do you think the counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), are still lingering?

The major problem is the nature of the war itself. Secondly, some inadequacies, such as the porous nature of our borders, ought to have been addressed before Nigerian Independence, but were not done. Therefore, so long as there is insecurity in the neighbouring countries, it must affect Nigeria. We also know that the collapse in the government of Libya, led by its former leader, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, also led to the proliferation of arms in large quantities, in West Africa and the Sahel region. But I am very happy and impressed with the strides being made by the current leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). They have recorded a lot of achievements, which, are not in the public domain. But, it is worthy of our commendation, and requires, the cooperation of all Nigerians, across all the political divide, and ethnic groups to ensure that we stamp out insecurity.

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The Nigerian Army on Friday stated the successful overrunning of the major terrorists enclave in Sambisa forest, at North East theatre of operations, by troops of Operation Hadi Kai. Does this presuppose the fact that there is an end in sight in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria?

Well, the end of the war, means the return of peace in the land. Overrunning the Sambisa forest is a major achievement by the Nigerian military, which, of course, is worthy of commendation. But it will not necessarily mean an end in sight to the war. This is so because a lot of work needs to be done. There are so many other aspects, because of the nature of the war. Terrorist enclaves are usually not domiciled in one location or enclave, but what the Army had done is a great achievement that must be commended by all Nigerians.