FG to adopt summit recommendations on Insurgency, insecurity
Abuja, Sept.10, 2019 (NAN) The Federal Government says its ready to adopt recommendations of the summit organised to stem terrorism, Insurgency and incidence of electoral violence in the country.
This was disclosed by Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation in his keynote address at the summit.
This is contained in a statement signed on Tuesday by Abolade Ogundimu, Media Assistant, to the National Coordinator, Chief Executive Officer, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM,Nigeria.
The summit which has the theme ”Terrorism, Insurgency and Incidence of electoral violence in Nigeria:Role of security ‘was jointly organised by African Union Development Agency- New Partnership for Africa’s Development/African Peer Review Mechanism (AUDA-NEPAD/APRM) and the Nigerian Army through the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Abuja.
According to Mustapha, represented by Dr. Amina Mohamed Bello-Shamaki, Permanent Secretary, Special Services Office, the trio of terrorism, Insurgency and electoral violence have been major setbacks to economic development and governance in the country.
The two day summit which started on Tuesday, had participants and paper presenters drawn from the security, academia, civil society organisations and various sections of the population to brainstorm on the problems and come up with workable solutions.
“These three ill acts have turned many people to internally displaced persons, orphans and various pathetic status.
“The Federal Government looks forward to recommendations with nationalistic view that will be proffered by this summit,” he said.
Similarly, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Chairman of the Summit and Chairperson, Council of Eminent Persons, APRM Continental reminded participants that other nations in Africa looked up to Nigeria.
“Remember Nigeria always lead in restoring peace to other African nations and others always strive to emulate them.
“If Nigeria fully shun electoral violence and all forms of insecurity, other sister nations are going to follow suit.
“Africa targets to silence the gun by the year 2020, Nigeria should once again assume its leadership role towards achieving that agenda,” he said.
In her welcome address, Hon. Princess Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator, Chief Executive Officer, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM,Nigeria called for synergy among stakeholders on security.
“The need to eliminate violence and insecurity had become more prominent in the country’s national life.
“AUDA-NEPAD cannot succeed in its advocacy campaign without the collaboration of the various government security agencies including the Nigerian Army.
“It is one of the reasons why we have convened this session and assembled the well-respected resource persons.
” No single person has all the answers,our hope is that, by these our efforts, we will create a community of practice that can provide evidence-based and rigorously-debated ideas on how to win this war,” she said.
Also, Sen. Abba Ali, Chairman, National Governing Council (NGC) APRM-Nigeria said ” this Summit seeks to define the roles of Security agencies in the fight against insurgency, terrorism, militancy and electoral violence.
“Let us always be reminded of the significance and priority of peace and security in nation building, and the responsibility which is binding on both the security agencies and the civilians”.
Delivering his Goodwill message, Lt. -Gen Tukur Buratai, Chief of Army Staff commended the idea of convening the summit.
“Security and development are like siamese twins, they move in the same direction.
“We will continue to give our best by ensuring territorial integrity, as well as safety of citizens lives and properties are well secured.
” I commend AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria and NARC for organising this summit at this point in time”.
The first paper of the summit was presented by Prof. Jim Unah, a Philosopher from University of Lagos, with the paper titled ‘Terrorism, Insurgency, electoral violence and extremism as security threats in Nigeria ‘.
The second paper of the day was presented by the Director-General, Electoral Institute, represented by Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agoha, with the paper titled ‘Addressing Challenges of Electoral Violence ‘.
The summit continues on Wednesday and a communique will be issued at the end of the day.
