By Salisu Sani-Idris
The Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development (SCDDD), has urged the National Security Adviser (NSA) to review the National Security Strategy Document to address security concerns in the country.
Its Executive Director, Amb. Sani Bala, made the call at a news conference on the state of the nation, on Thursday in Abuja.
Bala called on the federal and state governments to follow through the establishment of the regional security outfits and community policing and ensure community ownership of their operations.
He emphasised the need for the National Orientation Agency NOA) and the Interreligious Peace Committee to carry out vigorous advocacy against insurgency and religious intolerance.
” The centre notes with serious concern the impact of insecurity on the economic and social development of the country despite the commendable new security strategies being adopted to restore durable peace.
” The centre welcomes the notable changes which include, appointment of new minister of defence, increased budgetary allocations to security and defence, and high level diplomatic collaborations.
” We however, note, with deep concern, the alarming rapid penetration of the terrorists, kidnappers. and bandits into some southern states. ”
The diplomat advised the Executive, Legislature, and the Judiciary to team up, cooperate and collaborate with each other to decisively address the issues of insecurity, and systemic corruption.
Similarly, Bala called on the Nigerian elite to be more patriotic in the derivation and use of the Nigerian common patrimony.
He urged government at all levels to uphold the guiding principles of democratic governance to restore durable peace and security and reduce the current biting economic hardships in the country.
” The judiciary should rise up to the challenges of quick dispensation of justice and to restore public trust in the country’s legal system consistent with the national laws.
” We also appreciate President Bola Tinubu for shuttle diplomacy and the eventual nomination of substantive Heads of Nigeria’s Diplomatic Missions abroad.”
Bala, however, urged the Federal Government to restore the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ political and diplomatic visibility in all matters of diplomacy and international relations.
” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should urgently, convoke a national dialogue before 2027 general elections, to reexamine the Nigerian Foreign Policy which was last reviewed in 1981.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
