Nigeria’s central security system, a colossal failure, says Senate President

…we cannot play politics with security issues

…Community policing an option — SGF Mustapha

Taking a holistic view of the current centralised security architecture in Nigeria, the Senate President, Dr Ahmed Lawan, delivered a realistic and downright report that it has failed dismally and therefore requires overhauling.

“The present arrangement is not working effectively and efficiently and we have to do something, and this time around, there should not be buck-passing.

“We have to be forthright, we have to say it as it is, and we have to do it as it is required.

“If we must get it right in the country, it has become imperative to restructure the security architecture,’’ he said.

Noting that though series of efforts had been made in the past by both the executive and the legislative arms of government to address challenges of insecurity in the country, Lawan said the worsening security situation requires restructuring of the failing architecture.

Lawan recalled: “We have had series of engagements before but the escalation now has made it mandatory that we have a definite position as a government because we just cannot play politics with security issues.

“Lives are being wasted. Therefore, the Senate will take a position on how security in the country should be. We believe that the security architecture should be restructured.

Restating his view: “We believe that the security architecture should be restructured. The present system does not appear to give us the type of outcome we need. Whether it is the federal, state or local government; even the traditional rulers or others, the most important thing is to secure the lives and property of Nigerians and we must do that.

“Presently, the story is not good in many areas, so much is happening that is destabilising our communities, killing of our people and we believe that we owe Nigerians the responsibility to intervene and work with the executive arm of government, actually to work together with other tiers of government, the states and local governments to ensure that we change the way we approach security issues in the country.’’

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has said community policing is one sure way of tackling security challenges as it incorporates all segments of the society into its operations.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, said this when he received in his office the re-elected member of the House of Representatives from Kano State, Alhassan Doguwa.

Mustapha assured Nigerians that the security of lives and property would continue to be the cardinal objective of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

“The Executive will continue to work in synergy with the Legislature to ensure that appropriate laws are promulgated that would enhance protection of lives and property across the country through the enactment of reformatory laws.

“Close attention is being given by government to the issue of community policing because of its benefits, particularly in the involvement of all segments of the society in order to curb crime and criminality in the country,” he said.