Enhancing quality of life key to addressing insecurity–Prof. Gambari
The problem of insecurity across the country which has manifested in varying forms such as insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and political violence, among others, can only be tackled if Governments will channel attention, energy and resources towards enhancing the quality of masses’ life, says Prof. Ibrahim Gambari.
Prof. Gambari, a one-time Nigerian ambassador, explained that poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy, together with other indices of underdevelopment, are responsible for the rising wave of insecurity in the land.
He spoke at a “Summit on Terrorism, Insurgency, and Incidence of Electoral Violence in Nigeria: Role of Security Agencies.”
The Summit, held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NACR), Mambilla Barracks, Abuja, was organized by the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) in collaboration with NACR.
The erstwhile diplomatic envoy, clearly pointed out that some section of the political class and a coterie of unpatriotic politicians seemed not to have learnt anything from previous violent ethno-religious bloodlettings and other bloody fracas that shocked the country’s foundation.
Hence, they are busy fanning the embers of discord, while also sounding the trumpets of war.
“It behooves on us to ensure that our political elites learn from history. They must stop fanning the embers of hatred and animosity for their own selfish political and financial gains,” he said.
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Prof. Gambari, who maintained that war is not the solution to national problems, stressed the need for synergy among the security agencies so as to tackle the wave of crimes and killings across the country.
While calling on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), communities and individuals to actively collaborate with security agencies in order to stem the tide of violence, the ex-ambassador, said it is time the Federal Government and relevant authorities rigorously study and also implement key resolutions of similar security summit.
Prof. Gambari, who Chaired the event, equally identified poor governance as bane of the country’s development and cannon fodder for insecurity, saying it is imperative for Nigerian leaders to assiduously make effort to translate the immense potential naturally imbued the country into a grand reality.
In a remark, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, underscored the need for security institutions and development agencies to work together for common good, saying both the summit and its theme were timely and apt considering the involvement of the military in maintaining peace and its roles during elections.
He assured that the military would continue to plays its role of defending the territorial integrity of the country even if it had to pay the supreme sacrifice.
The COAS applauded the organizers of the summit for their efforts to enrich the knowledge of the participants and impact on the society, pledging that NA would continue to partner with groups and individuals to bring lasting peace and development to the country.
By PRNigeria
