The late Yaana Yakubu Andani
We have observed the security preparedness for the Yendi funerals and must say they appear wonderful.
The display of soldiers and their counterparts in the Police Service the former in their battle order should send signals to killjoys that they have no room to manouvre here. The die has been cast as the orders are given to the troops. There is no retreat no surrender in the President and the good people of Dagbon’s resolve to let peace have a chance in this restive part of the country.
It takes a determined leader to issue such an Executive Order – the basis of the unfolding story in Dagbon.
Peace shall return to Dagbon and those who have been benefitting from the bad situation rendered useless if that is the only path they want to tread.
Beyond the muster parade, however, we have made some observations which should be taken on board in the daily security briefings in the countdown to the funerals.
The proximity from the old palace to the new one is close, a fact which can inure to the negative plans of those who do not mean well for peace in Dagbon. There is the need therefore for the security agents to be mindful about the route linking the two places and not to take any chances.
Peace is expensive more so when wicked persons and gun-runners are standing on the fringes ready to jump with their ploys whenever there is an opening on any of the flanks.
Information we have received suggest that there are dirty plans to cause trouble using the proximity between the two places as an impetus.
The Kampakuya Na and Bolin Lana both require maximum security 24/7 because this is desirable. Situation reports should be reliable and they should be around the clock at this time and until the all-clear signal is received.
We must get the roadmap right. Any faux pas would ruin the whole thing, the fallouts from which can only be imagined. Let us all join hands in maintaining peace before, during and after the events.
Social media is being used to raise tension but with such a powerful resolve to ensure success of the funerals and above all the roadmap goodness shall subdue evil.
Radio stations must be monitored and those found not to be supporting peace dealt with according to law or even taken off air until further notice. Security should be put on war footing and all traces of trouble responded to swiftly.
A few days ago, the chief of Nyankpala was trending among Dagbanbas: there was no mistaking his visage and voice as he kicked against the process. He also indirectly verbally berated the Regent of Tolon for choosing peace. The retired Major thankfully, is handling the situation with the maturity of a former 2i/c of Recce Regiment and therefore not perturbed but rather obsessed with restoring peace in his troubled land. And that for us, is the spirit all must embrace especially Dagbanbas.
The Bimbila and Saboba to Yendi roads are routes which the security agents must be wary of. Weapons would be smuggled in by gun-runners. AK 47s, the weapon of choice by most people intent in causing fear and panic can easily be dismantled and the parts smuggled into Yendi to derail the laudable process. They must be stopped in their tracks. The security alert should be raised to the highest reading in the countdown to the funerals and intelligence gathering in top form.