PDP Chieftain Hails Azazi’s Sack

Jamiu Yisa

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Owolabi Salis, has described the removal of the former National Security Adviser, Gen. Owoeye Azazi, by President Goodluck Jonathan as a right and timely step in the bid to end security threats in the country.

Speaking during the 17th anniversary of Mushin Day celebration, Salis lamented the recent spate of bombings in the country and canvassed for the adoption of grassroots approach to security network in the country.

“The President’s action is right. Don’t forget that the NSA has been there for a while and there has been recurrent cases of bombings in the country.”

Salis, a former gubernatorial aspirant in Lagos State on the platform of the PDP during the 2011 elections, challenged states to be more proactive in their approach to security.

“There are five types of security threats, espionage, sabotage, subversion, insurrection and terrorism. There are different approaches to addressing these types of security threats. Boko Haram has an international dimension but government should adopt the grassroots system approach. Here government agencies go to neighbourhoods to scan for explosives and when you arrest anyone with it, such a person should be able to give you a lead into their activities,” he opined.

On what approach the new NSA should adopt to curb the insurgency of Boko Haram, he noted: “We expect to see new dimensions and strategy at reducing these attacks because Sambo’s intelligence and approach will be different from Azazi’s. He should analyse the threat and attack it especially at the grassroots. He should employ more grassroots oriented approach, using modern technology system.”