Debo Popoola
In the many theories of warfare, the most difficult battle to fight is the battle that is unleashed from the within. While the battle from outside can be seen far ahead as it surges forth, and the defendant can easily prepare for it before it finally gets o him, the battle within is unseen and unprepared for; and such war always deals heavy and irredeemable losses to whoever is unleashed on.
There may be no difference between former Director General of the Department of Secret Service, Kayode Lateef Aare, and the homeless Boko Haram victims at the various IDP camps. What they share in common are their homelessness and victimization. As you read, Kayode Aare and his family may be taking shelter in a makeshift tent after he was thrown out of the residence allotted him by the government agency he once served – the State Security Service.
But what differentiates the homeless Boko Haram victims in our various IDP camps and Kayode Aare is that, while those at the IDP camps were displaced and victimised by the rootless enemy of the state, Kayode’s victimisation and displacement came from the state itself. Thus, the case of those at the IDP camps can be said to be even fairer as the state itself is providing succour for them.
Kayode Aare has an exceptional educational background that will always ignite sympathy when compared to his present predicament. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in December 1974 from the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of the NDA regular Course 12. He graduated among the best ten officers and was deployed to the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corp following his graduation from the Defence Academy.
Kayode Aare furthered his studies at the prestigious University of Ibadan and graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Psychology in 1980, and he won the University Senate Prize, Faculty of Social Sciences prize and the Department of Psychology prize for best graduating student. Kayode Aare later obtained a Masters degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos.
After years of meritorious service in the military, he retired as a Colonel. During the administration of former President Olusegun Obasango, Aare was made the Director General of the State Security Service(SSS) from 1999 to 2007. It is however worrisome and very disheartening that agency which he headed has now turned his against him, rendering him homeless and making his children street urchins.
It is a popular belief that loyalty and respect are some of the core values in the military and the forces. Hence, the saying, ‘Esprit de corps’ emphasises the oneness and compatriotism that men and women, who have decided to be selfless and taking it upon themselves to protect other lives, use in recognising themselves. But unfortunately, ‘Esprit de corps’ was not able to save Kayode Aare.
This SSS action against Aare came as a disregard to court order which had earlier barred them from invading his residence because it was a privilege enjoyed by all the past heads of the agency. Mr Kayode Aare accused Lawan Daura, the present Director General of the agency, of using the state apparatus for his personal gains. It seems both of them have personal issues to sort.
