APC’s common-sense solution For Keeping Nigeria Safe. #GMB15 The Challenge The Boko Haram insurgency in the North, and its increasingly bold attacks, has brought home the scale of the security crisis that Nigeria faces. This crisis is not just about Boko Haram. It goes much deeper than that with communal violence flaring up all too regularly across a number of different states. On a daily basis ordinary Nigerians increasingly experience militancy, kidnapping, armed robbery and an inability to obtain legal redress and protection from abuse by government or powerful interests. Today many parts of Nigeria are wrecked by constant chaos and violence, and thousands of lives have been lost to this scourge. This nation pledged to itself that our first civil war would also be our last. However, that solemn pledge has now been endangered. Section 14 of the Nigerian Constitution, states that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”. It is clear for all to see that the current government has failed in this regard. The Opportunity The Federal Government’s response to the Boko Haram insurgency has been grossly inadequate and ineffective and cries for a new strategy. The recent botched attempt by the Federal Government to negotiate a ceasefire, illustrates clearly the need for a long-term multi-pronged national security strategy to address this scourge. While addressing the fundamental causes of insecurity such as poverty and dis-empowerment, we also need to put in place a robust and well thought out Security Sector reform which includes effectiveness and efficiency of this sector based on respect for Human Rights and Fundamental Civil and Political Liberties. The APC government will ensure that our security and Law Enforcement agencies are fit and ready to meet 21st century security challenges. We will also seek to play a full and leading role in promoting regional security in West Africa and the continent as a whole, including championing the establishment of the proposed African Standby Force by the African Union. The APC’s common-sense solutions: We will: Boko Haram: Urgently increase the capacity and capability of Nigeria’s military, police and other security agencies through the employment of additional personnel, provision of modern equipment, and a commitment to professionalism, merit and excellence in the respective services to meet the need s of our growing population; Work with our neighbours to use military force to destroy those factions of Boko Haram who refuse to lay down their arms. Use both military and non-military means to secure the release of all those who have been kidnapped by the insurgents. Introduce a time-limited partial amnesty for rank-and-file Boko Haram members who have been coerced into the group in return for laying down arms and participating in a programme of reintegration into society. Establish a compensation scheme for victims of the insurgency Address the underlying problems of unemployment, poverty and social injustice that caused the insurgency through a Comprehensive Economic Development Programme for affected states and communities Establish a Truth & Reconciliation Commission to address human rights abuses that occurred during the insurgency as well as the fundamental issues that underlie the insurgency. Rigorously enforce Agreements, Treaties, and Regulations seeking to limit and reduce the incidence of illegal trade in and movement of small arms across the West African sub-region and into Nigeria. Supporting the Security Services Carry out a national security audit to determine the state of affairs, capacity and capability deficits in our armed forces, police and other security agencies. Improve the security forces – in return for increases in funding, modernized equipment and more personnel they will be kept to new higher standards of accountability, openness and professional management. Urgently review the management structures of the five security services – the Police, the Army, the Navy, the Air-Force and the intelligence services. Introduce an immediate pay increase for all five security services. Immediately commence a capacity building initiative for the Nigerian Police and Armed Forces to improve their professionalism and service delivery. Increase personnel levels in the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force and other Security services to meet current challenges and ensure that they are well trained and equipped for their constitutional responsibility. Urgent review of death and disability insurance to a minimum of N1m (One Million Naira) only, from the current level. Accountability & delivery: Create a Federal Anti-Terrorism Agency (FATA), with properly trained and professional staff combining elements of both the Police and the State Security Service, which would be fully accountable to the National Assembly to conduct anti-terrorism and counter insurgency operations. Develop, promote and implement a public accountability framework to enhance the operational autonomy and efficiency of the military, police and other security agencies in the discharge of their constitutional mandates. Devolve the oversight of local policing, including the nomination of the State Police Commissioner and management of the prison service to the state. Establish a Federal Police Complaints Authority and Ombudsman to provide a transparent process for ordinary Nigerians to raise complaints over police conduct. Promote peaceful and harmonious coexistence by ensuring that Nigerians are free to live, work and worship in any part of the country without let or hindrance, and introduce legislation to outlaw inflammatory hate speech. Protect the country against external internal aggression and enhance our national security through stricter control of our borders while maintaining strong, close and beneficial relationship with our neighbours and other countries. [APC]
Posted on: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 13:33:03 +0000
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