By Mike Odeh James
Renowned security experts converged at the House of Justice (HOJ) Annual Summit/Banquet to brainstorm and proffer solutions to Nigeria’s lingering insecurity challenges. The summit, which was well-attended by security, economic, and social value experts within and outside the country, provided a platform for stakeholders to bare their minds on the security challenges facing the nation.
Keynote speakers, including former Chief of Defense Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai, Major General Zamani Lekwot, and Group Captain Sadeeq Garba Shehu, all emphasized the need for sustained efforts in eliminating bandits and other groups undermining the nation’s security.
And in a bid to address the security challenges, Group Captain Sadeeq Garba Shehu, an African Union Security and Safety Expert, noted that since the advent of democracy in 1999, there has been an outcry for security overhaul towards a comprehensive address of the nation’s challenges. He stressed the need for massive recruitment in the Police and Military personnel, citing the current meager ratio of security personnel to the population.
Shehu also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to implement the Security Sector Reform report, emphasizing that the report contains all the necessary recommendations to address Nigeria’s security problems. Furthermore, he advised the government to grant more powers to the Minister of Defense, as the current arrangement does not provide for the minister to implement strong administrative instructions on security.
Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai, who chaired the summit, called for an overhaul of the recruitment process in the security architecture as part of steps towards tackling insecurity. General Agwai expressed concerns over the current recruitment process, where highly placed government officials decide who is recruited.
General Agwai further emphasized the need for a holistic approach to addressing insecurity, stating that “we cannot continue to treat the symptoms of insecurity without addressing the root causes. We must work towards creating a society where everyone has access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.” He also called for increased collaboration between security agencies and the local communities, noting that “security is a collective responsibility, and we must work together to achieve our goals.”
The former Chief of Defence Staff also highlighted the importance of leadership and accountability in the security sector. He stated that “leaders must lead by example, and they must be held accountable for their actions. We must create a culture of transparency and accountability in the security sector, where those who fail to perform are held responsible.” General Agwai’s words were a call to action, urging stakeholders to work together to address Nigeria’s security challenges.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mike Omeri, former Director General of the National Orientation Agency, also presented a paper, highlighting the problems of justice, fairness, and equity as major factors escalating insecurity in the country. He noted that the system has made it necessary for Nigerians to resort to non-conventional avenues, such as TV shows or prominent personalities, to seek justice.
Furthermore, Omeri emphasized the need for a national re-orientation program, aimed at promoting a culture of justice, fairness, and equity. He stated that “we must re-orient our minds and attitudes towards justice, fairness, and equity. We must recognize that justice is not just about punishing offenders, but also about promoting fairness and equity in all aspects of our lives.”
In the same vein, Barr. Gloria Ballason, Chief Executive Officer of House of Justice and convener of the summit, appealed for timely dispensation of justice by the judiciary. She emphasized the need for judges and lawyers to serve with honor and integrity, correcting ethical missteps and penalizing egregious violations.
The summit was a call to action, urging stakeholders to work together to address Nigeria’s security challenges and promote peace, harmony, and national development.
Middle-Belt Times 