A former Chief of Defence Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), has suggested a reassessment of the recruitment process in the security architecture of the country to tackle the insecurity in Nigeria.
Speaking in Kaduna on Saturday at a National Summit organised by the House of Justice, themed ‘Security, Justice, and National Reorientation’, Agwai lauded the government’s efforts to end insecurity in the country, lamenting the current recruitment process, where highly placed government officials determine who is recruited.
Agwai, who chaired the event, also opined that the current security challenges must be addressed to put the country on track for growth and development.
He said the issues of justice, fairness, and equity, if properly addressed, in addition to the efforts of both the state and federal governments, would significantly reduce insecurity.
According to him, “Insecurity must be contained to a certain degree so that development can thrive. All hands must be on deck to foster this development.”
The former CDS said significant development is taking place and that improvements are being made in addressing insecurity, assuring that if Nigerians work together, progress would be faster.
In a presentation, the former Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mr Mike Omeri, explained that issues of justice, fairness, and equity continue to escalate and exacerbate insecurity in the country.
Omeri 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 the House of Justice, and convener of the summit, Gloria Ballason appealed for the timely delivery of justice by the judiciary, ensuring that justice is both efficient and effective.
She stated that it is certain that there are judges and lawyers who serve with honour, stressing that ethical missteps must be corrected, egregious violations must be penalised, and breaches of trust or crimes must be acknowledged and effectively addressed.
According to her, the justice sector cannot gain public confidence if it is not, like Caesar’s wife, above reproach, saying that if some judges falsify their age and thus cannot keep pace with mere mortals, how can they compete in a race against horses?
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.
Reassess recruitment process into Nigeria’s security system – former CDS Agwai to FG