Nigerian
Army
Enhancing quality of
Nigerian
Army
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.
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.