Insecurity: Ex-defence chief urges reform of Nigeria’s security architecture
Former Chief of Defence Staff General Martin Luther Agwai called on Saturday for a reassessment of the recruitment process in the security architecture as part of efforts to tackle insecurity in the country.
He made the call in Kaduna at a National Summit organised by the House of Justice, themed ‘Security, Justice, and National Reorientation.’
Agwai acknowledged the government’s efforts to end insecurity in the country but expressed concern over the current recruitment process, where highly placed government officials determine who is recruited.
Agwai, who chaired the event, emphasised that the current security challenges must be addressed to put the country on track for growth and development.
“The issues of justice, fairness, and equity, if properly addressed with the efforts of both the state and federal governments, will significantly reduce insecurity,” Agwai stated.
“Insecurity must be contained to a certain degree so that development can thrive. All hands must be on deck to foster this development,” he added.
He also noted that significant development is taking place and that improvements are being made in addressing insecurity.
He stressed that if Nigerians work together, progress would be faster.
In a presentation, the former Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mr Mike Omeri, stated that issues of justice, fairness, and equity continue to escalate and exacerbate insecurity in the country.
He said the system has forced Nigerians to seek justice through unconventional means, such as TV shows or by turning to prominent personalities.
The Chief Executive Officer of House of Justice, and convener of the summit, Barrister Gloria Ballason, discussed the dispensation of justice and appealed for the timely delivery of justice by the judiciary, ensuring that justice is both efficient and effective.
“While it is certain that there are judges and lawyers who serve with honour, ethical missteps must be corrected, egregious violations must be penalised, and breaches of trust or crimes must be acknowledged and effectively addressed.
“The justice sector cannot gain public confidence if it is not, like Caesar’s wife, above reproach. For if some judges falsify their age and thus cannot keep pace with mere mortals, how can they compete in a race against horses?” Ballason remarked.
Ballason also called for a national re-orientation and the consistent reinforcement of values and behaviours that motivate citizens to act in ways that promote peace, harmony, and national development.
