The Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Major General John Ochai has solicited the support of stakeholders, especially residents to the security agencies towards addressing the lingering security challenges confronting the nation.
General Ochai who explained that the armed forces are winning the war against banditry and insurgency in the North, explained that the people should be ready to offer credible information to the personnel for them to take action in preventing attacks and killings in the nation.
He spoke on Wednesday in ABUAD, Ekiti state while delivering the 4th Afe Babalola Distinguished Personality Lecture Series titled, ‘Insecurity, Leadership and Peace Building in Nigeria: Dynamics and Challenges’
According to him, the country would be able to witness the expected socio-economic development if the activities of criminal elements masquerading as bandits and kidnappers are effectively curtailed.
While commending the ABUAD founder, Aare Afe Babalola for his commitment towards the development of the nation’s education sector, added that the institution within a few years of existence has taken the lead in providing quality education to students.
He said, ” To address insecurity requires the whole of the society. The military, the government, the civil society groups, the educational institutions, all security agencies, and individual citizens.
” It is the responsibility of citizens to pass information to the security agencies. It is also the responsibility of citizens to focus on national development. We keep our youths from crime and what is inimical to the development of our society.
” Like I said there are some initiatives from the current government under President Bola Tinubu in addressing insecurity. For instance the police had received more funding and there is an ongoing reform of the police and the security sector. ”
Speaking, Babalola commended the leadership of the military for defending the nation’s territorial integrity and as well combating the surge of the insurgents and heinous crimes.
Describing the lecture as incisive, the legal icon advocated for a constitutional review to give more roles and responsibilities to the military in maintaining law and order in the country.
The nonagenarian said, ” The constitutional responsibility of the military is to ensure and maintain the territorial integrity of a state, while that of the Police is to ensure obedience to law and order.
” If we want the country to move forward, our law should be amended in such a way to saddle the military with the enforcement and obedience to law and order in this country.
” We must all unite to ensure order, orderliness and discipline in our society. That is the only and the surest way forward.”
On his part, the chairman of the lecture and Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Bishop Felix Ajakaiye demanded more decisive actions from the military and other security agencies in addressing the myriad of security challenges mitigating against the nation.
The cleric who identified poor leadership as one of the problems against the country, urged the citizens to be optimistic and contribute their quotas in achieving sustainable peace and development in Nigeria.
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