#EndSARS: Security Expert, Prof. Joseph Ameh Erico Advises Govt Against Using Military Against Protesters 

A security expert and one time People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship aspirant in Kogi State, Associate Professor Joseph Ameh Erico has advised the Federal Government not to use force by deploying the Military against  the ongoing nationwide protest by Nigerian youths.

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Professor Erico, who bared his mind in view of the plans by the Military to start its routine exercise tagged ‘Operation Crocodile Smile VI’ nationwide, stated that this developement will escalate the already tensed situation.

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He said the decision of the Militaty to embark on such exercise was within the confine of the law establishing the body, just like the protesters have the right to also ventilate their grievances through peaceful protests.

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Associate Professor Erico warned that any attempt to use force to address the ongoing protests in Nigeria, as it was carried out against IPOB and the Shi’ites will not augur well for much needed peace in the country.

The security expert maintained that this developement became difficult especially when one can not identify leaders of this aggrieved youths, but assemblage of youths and likeminds whose protests is preference for good governance and leadership.

According to Erico, “the best way for the present administration is to adopt dialogue, immediately roll out machinery to address the demands of the youths and protesters without reservation or delay.”

He said a situation whereby prominent religious leaders have thrown their weight behind the the protesters has made it difficult for the government to adopt any other measure rather than dialogue to address the issues.

“The fact that the International Community like the United Nations, United Ststes and the super powers are interested in what is happening in Nigeria calls for sober reflections,” he said.

He advised that measures should be put in place to address the issues rather than the other way round, that will further aggravate the protest.

Erico said Nigeria was not at war, and as such,  Military deployment is needless in this situation as civil solution is desirable in the current impasse.

He urged the government to create an enabling environment through negotiation, policy formulation and decisions to nip in the bud any unforeseen circumstances.

The security manager advised the Military to shelve their planned exercise, so as not to overheat the political atmosphere of the country, especially at this period of our national life.

He said “at this period, a wholistic reform in the security architecture of the country, that will fight crime and people oriented. The reform should also involve electoral reforms to guarantee e-voting, safeguard the integrity of our electoral system, as well as ensure judicial, legislative and executive reforms without further delay.”

He cautioned the Federal government not to be carried away by any counter decisions, but manage the current developement so as not to escalate beyond the current level.