Army Chief Seeks Stronger Judiciary to curb insecurity
By John Okezie
Director General of the Nigeria Army Resource Centre (NARC), Major General Garba Wahab (rtd) has said the nation’s judiciary holds one of the keys to eradicating insecurity in the country.
The country has been plagued by various forms of insecurity, resulting in the deaths, abductions, and displacement of millions of citizens.
However, while speaking on Tuesday at the national security summit in Abuja, organized by the Green Initiatives, with the theme “Insecurity and the Nation: The Journey thus Far,” Wahab emphasised that the judiciary must fulfil its role to deter impunity.
He said, “One of the ways to curb insecurity is that the judiciary must be alive to its responsibilities and the local government should be allowed to function.
“Let the judiciary start doing its job. Because if they don’t, we’re encouraging impunity. People will believe nothing is going to happen to them. They will do whatever they like.
“Judgments and decisions of courts must not be based on technicalities but the merit and justice of the case. It’s sad that out courts today choose technicalities over justice.”
While emphasizing on the need for speedy dispensation of cases in court, Gen. Garba said such delays discouraged potential litigants and leads to jungle justice.
The guest speaker attributed the nation’s insecurity situation to the activities of selfish politicians and non-state actors who corner everything for their families and relations at the detriment of the public.
Garba accused the media of fuelling crisis through their biased reportage on issues of national unity.
The retired General equally attributed insecurity to the commercialization of kidnapping, ritual killings, lost of cultural values and the craze and love for money, which he said has become an idol of worship among Nigerians.
He called for the strengthening and empowerment of the nation’s security agencies to enable them work optimally in the discharge of their suites.
Also speaking, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande called on all State governments to develop a state action plan on youth, peace and security for national development.
Olawande who expressed the need for aggressive engagements with the youths on security issues disclosed that his ministry has established a Help Desk to help breach the gap between the government and the people.
The minister who commended the organizers for putting together the summit, blamed the nation’s leadership for not paying attention to governance but focusing more on personal interest.
He equally disclosed that his ministry is working with some partners to provide mental service and counseling for the youths.
Speaking earlier, the convener of the summit, Comrade Duke Alamboye calls for the establishment of Local Vigilant security outfits in the 774 Local Government Areas of the Federation, to help security agencies in the fight against insecurity.
He further disclosed that his organization is planning to hold regional security summit across the six-geopolitical zones of the country as a way of providing localized solutions to the issue of insecurity.
He commended the nation’s security agencies in the fight thus far in combating crime and insecurity in the country.
The event was attended by prominent politicians including the representatives of governors of Borno and Bauchi States, traditional rulers and academia.
Authorities said the summit was designed to examine the role of youths in national security matters and create room to enhance youth participation.
The summit featured interactive sessions between the police and youths on crime prevention, conflict resolution, social media and community engagement.
