By: George Ozalla
The recent incident after the presentation of former President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s memoir, where a young man was brutally assaulted by an overzealous loyalist, serves as a stark reminder of the lingering remnants of military dictatorship in Nigeria. This disturbing event highlights the need for loyalists, security operatives, and personal aides of high-ranking officials or VIPs to respect human rights and democratic values.
The assault on the young man, who was simply recording a video of IBB on a wheelchair being aided into a waiting vehicle, raises questions about the judgment and training of security personnel. Often, they watch helplessly or even partake in such uncivilized behavior. In a democratic society, such actions are unacceptable and clearly violate fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom of expression and the right to dignity.
Nigeria’s security forces have a disturbing history of brutality, as documented by Amnesty International. The organization has reported numerous cases of unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests, and torture. Such actions undermine the rule of law, perpetuate impunity, and erode trust between citizens and security agencies.
Many high-ranking officials may not be aware of, or may not approve of, the excesses committed by their loyalists, security operatives, and overzealous aides. Unfortunately, some security operatives and aides have been known to recklessly push other road users off the road while escorting their principals in convoys, resulting in loss of lives and other unpalatable outcomes. These actions perpetuate a culture of impunity and disregard for the rule of law.
To prevent similar incidents, it is essential to emphasize human rights training for security operatives and personal aides of high-ranking officials and VIPs. The Nigerian government should establish mechanisms for accountability, ensuring that those responsible for human rights abuses are brought to justice.
Security operatives and personal aides must be reminded that their role is to protect citizens and carry out assignments delegated by their principals, not to intimidate or assault them. They should receive training in crowd management techniques, de-escalation strategies, and basic interpersonal skills to interact with citizens respectfully and professionally.
In conclusion, the incident at Babangida’s memoir presentation serves as a wake-up call for Nigeria’s security agencies and VIP personal aides to re-examine their tactics and prioritize human rights. By promoting a culture of respect, accountability, and professionalism, we can build a more just and democratic society for all Nigerians, free from intimidation, harassment, and physical assault.
