CHAPTER ONE

Obviously, different government view things from different perspective. They handle issues differently depending on several factors surrounding the issue on ground, advisers, mentality, finance, etc.

Also, no nation can boast of a being completely free from one issue or the order; even the United States, China, Russia, Korea, United Kingdom, etc. Nigeria as a nation was apparently a fair and safe nation on the average. The issue of insurgency and kidnap has been occurring during the President Olusegun Obasanjo reign but it was not obvious; probably due to the fear of a drastic action to curb and eradicate the act by the then president.

The kidnapping in the nation came to limelight during the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. The extremist, Islamic terrorist sect; the Boko Haram based in the  northeastern part of Nigeria, kidnapped 276 school girls from the Government Secondary School compound in broad day light on 15th April, 2014 in Chibok town in Borno state. 57 of the school girls managed to escape few months after. It was reported from newspaper as a suggestion that Boko Haram will use the girls as a negotiating pawns in exchange for some of their commanders in jail. At a late stage on 24th May, 2014, President Jonathan scrapped the release of Boko Haram prisoners for the release of the girls after consulting U.S., Israeli, French and British foreign ministers in Paris, where the agreement was that no deal must be struck with terrorists, and a solution involving force was the best option.

It took the then president Goodluck Jonathan two weeks before he spoke about the abduction claiming that he was caught off-guard by a first-of-its-kind chaos. His response to this kidnap was very slow and not tactical. He only blamed the problem of Boko Haram on economic disparity as opposed to the inability of the government to win the fight against the extremists. At a point, the Federal government even hid information about the Chibok girls from the citizens. Few of the girls escaped, some died, and some married the terrorists by force while majority were still under capture by the time the president handed over. The poor, uncoordinated response to the abduction necessitated the creation of the pressure group, “Bring Back Our Girls”.

On Monday 19th February, 2018, another large-scale schoolgirl abduction since the Chibok issue occurred. About 70 girls were abducted at Government Girls Science and Technology College, Dapchi, Yobe state. But in this case, there was a quick response by the Federal government by deploying over 200 military power of air search for the Dapchi girls within 24hours.

Presidents Muhammadu Buhari, after the kidnapping of Dapchi girls in Yobe State said that his administration’s prompt response to the adoption of 110 students of Government Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State was a clear departure from what he described as “the insensitivity of the past administration” that could not do anything when over 100 Chibok girls were abducted by Boko Haram in 2014.  “Similarly, the Federal Government has set up a 12-member Committee to unravel the circumstances surrounding the abduction of the students. The membership of the Committee was drawn from among security agencies and local residents. It is my hope that any agency, person or group found to have been negligent or culpable in the abduction of the girls will be punished in accordance with the law.” President Buhari stated that the government was partnering with the International Community and organizations including the nation’s neighbours to ensure that the girls are safely returned. He said, “Just recently, I reiterated our resolve to negotiate for the unconditional release of the girls. This is borne out of this administration’s conviction that, doing so is safer devoid of risks and will not endanger the lives of our young girls who are in harm’s way. “Since the inception of this administration, we have remained resolute in our fight against Terrorism and Boko Haram insurgents. Nigerians will readily recall that prior to our coming in 2015, the situation was chaotic with violent terrorist attacks being the order of the day. “Terrorists had made life very unbearable for the people in Yobe, Kano, Kaduna, Borno, Niger, and even the FCT, Abuja. Our Mosques and Churches witnessed daily suicide bomb attacks. Parts of Adamawa and Borno States were helplessly ceded to the terrorists. “But today, we have so far shown clear determination in tackling terrorism which is a world -wide phenomenon. We have not only degraded the power and dominance of the criminal elements, our security forces have patriotically exhibited an uncommon zeal in executing their assignment. “We explored various strategies including regional and international collaborations to exterminate terror. We have re-equipped our armed forces, security and intelligence Services. They are empowered with improved welfare and better equipment. The outcomes have been good. Our achievement in maintaining security is such that the international community and even our critics commend our modest efforts in this regards. “You may recall that recently, our negotiation efforts led to the release of abducted University of Maiduguri lecturers, some women Police personnel, students and even an NYSC member. We, therefore, have no doubt that the Dapchi girls will be rescued or released. I can reassure parents, Nigerians and the International Community that we will do all that is within our power to make sure that the girls are brought back safely to their families. “I have ordered a 24 hour brief to me by security agencies on its successes or challenges. While expecting the report of the Committee set up to investigate the abduction for implementation, I have asked that appropriate Federal Government authorities be in constant touch with the Yobe State Government and other neighboring States to ensure a common strategy and line of action (Vanguard, March 2018).

1.2     STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Nigeria in recent times has witnessed an unprecedented level of insecurity. This has made national security threat to be a major issue for the government and has prompted huge allocation of the national budget to security. In order to ameliorate the incidence of crime, the federal government has embarked on criminalization of terrorism by passing the Anti-Terrorism Act in 2011, installation of Computer-based Closed Circuit Television cameras (CCTV) in some parts of the country, enhancement of surveillance as well as investigation of criminal related offences, heightening of physical security measures around the country aimed at deterring or disrupting potential attacks, strengthening of security agencies through the provision of security facilities and the development and broadcast of security tips in mass media (Azazi, 2011). Despite these efforts, the level of insecurity in the country is still high. In addition, Nigeria has consistently ranked low in the Global Peace Index (GPI, 2012), signifying a worsened state of insecurity in the country. Hence, Adagba, et al (2012), Uhunmwuangho and Aluforo (2011) are of the view that the efforts of government have not yielded enough positive result. With the lingering security challenges and the inability of the security apparatus of the government to guarantee safety and security in the country, the question that borders everyone in Nigeria today is that “can there be security?” Is security of lives and properties achievable? Apparently, the security situation in Nigeria appears or at least have remained insurmountable and many people have argued that government at all levels has not done enough by not confronting the situation head on and dealing with it decisively, others have argued that the situation has a political undertone or inclination calculated to serve the interest of certain political gods, who have been dissatisfied and disgruntled about the political manifestations in the country. This problems altogether aroused the interest of the researcher to compare the administration of former president Goodluck Johnathan and President Muhammad Buhari in terms of national security.

1.3     OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study is to compare the administration of former president Goodluck Johnathan and President Muhammad Buhari, specifically the study intends to:

1. To compare the two administration in terms national security
2. To find out and compare the response of the two administration to the kidnaps of chibok and dapchi school girls
3. To compare the two administration in terms of security and relationship with other countries of the world

1.4     RESEARCH QUESTION

1. Is there any significant difference between the two administration in terms of national security
2. What is the response of the two administration to the kidnaps of chibok and dapchi school girls
3. Is there any significant difference between the two administration in terms of security and relationship with other countries of the world

1.5     SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This research work will compare the administration and the response of former president Goodluck Jonathan to the kidnap of the Chibok school girls in Borno state with the response of the current Nigeria president Muhammad Buhari to the abduction of the Dapchi school girls in Yobe state, their similarities, challenges and their best will be compared.

1.6     SIGNIFICANCE   OF   THE    STUDY

This research will expose the general public to the better administration among the two administration, the problems encountered by the two administration and how the problem was tackled and also this research will enlighten the general public on how to choose and vote for a better leader. This research will also expose the government at different level to the view of the public concerning their administration and the opinion of the masses on how to lead better.

1.7   DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Finance for the general research work will be a challenge during the course of study. Correspondents also might not be able to complete or willing to submit the questionnaires given to them.

However, it is believed that these constraints will be worked on by making the best use of the available materials and spending more than the necessary time in the research work. Therefore, it is strongly believed that despite these constraint, its effect on this research report will be minimal, thus, making the objective and significance of the study achievable.

1.8     DEFINITION OF TERMS

Abduction: the action of forcibly taking someone away against their will.

Kidnap: abduct (someone) and hold them captive, typically to obtain a ransom.

Insurgency: a rebellion against authority when those taking part in the rebellion are not recognized as belligerents.

Boko Haram: an extremist, Islamic terrorist sect based in the northeastern part of Nigeria.

Terrorism: the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.