I read Lasisi Olagunju, and I laughed

 I laughed not because he does not make sense but because of what our Defence Minister said about bandits. Lasisi had written about localized solutions.

As we approach our Independence, let me reiterate the views of Ahmadu Bello, who would rather we understood our differences instead of forgetting them.

Today, not a few Nigerians want us to go out separate ways but until then, it will be better we understood our differences.

The average Northerner has contempt for western education and their predilections. While, it is their choice, for as long as we are still together, it will pay us to understand this.

I remember, Buhari's first coming and his belief in Barter. I was shocked but that is the average Northerner for you.

Today, the Defence Minister is asking communities to feel free to negotiate with bandits.

What makes this laughable is that not even in Chicago does the government ask citizens to negotiate with criminals.

The Defence Minister is supposed to be acting on behalf of the President. Don't be surprised that he did not seek Tinubu's buy in. Did they not make him President?

Tinubu lost in Bourdillon, Lagos and Abuja. Obasanjo had the same albatross in 1999. That was what made him choose do it die in 2003 just to be his own man.

Consultants often tell us to think outside the box. Not bad but then why not extend the road beyond the end.

Tested roads are still tested. The road could be extinct but until then it is still the road.

Negotiating with bandits is thinking outside the box but has modernity not rendered that road anachronistic. Governments are to protect the weak from the strong not standby while bullies toy with the weak.

Seriously speaking could the Defence Minister be making a policy statement of the ruling party?

Is he a party man?