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Good governance, panacea to security challenges – Security Expert, Olu Ajanaku
With rising cases of insecurity across the nation, a Security Expert, Olu Adekunle Ajanaku (FSI+, KSM, DIS Rtd) has identified good governance which is purposeful leadership and commitment to meeting the people’s aspirations as a central condition for ultimate Security.
The Security Expert harped on the need for the federal government reach an agreement with the States to have Local Police Services in such a manner that a Commission be put in place to regulate activities of State Police saying the Amotekun initiative is a right step that stresses localized ownership, which must be insulated from any form of abuse by Politicians.
This were contained in a paper he delivered titled: “Governance and Insecurity in Nigeria: Responsibilities of the Lay Faithfuls” at Catholic Action Seminar held at St Louis Catholic Church, Akure on the occasion of Installation of Executives of Catholic Action Nigeria, Ondo Diocese.
Olu Adekunle Ajanaku who is a retired Director DSS and Former Special Adviser on Security and intelligence to the Government of Lagos state, said with the review of defence policy by a committee put in place by the Minister of Defence of the last administration, the government needs to consider transforming the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) into a Virile National Guard, as the fourth branch of our Armed Forces to support the Armed Forces in Internal Security Duties (ISD) and reduce the current strains of our Armed Forces.
He also called on the government to pay more attention to the activities of Private Security Sector, work more with the Academia and other Research Institutions on contemporary and emerging Security threats and seek better understanding with the European Union and bodies to mitigate the effects of climate change, as it was done in Northern Africa.
Olu Ajanaku who expressed worry over the threatening dimensions of commercialized kidnapping ranging from adoption of large population of Students from boarding schools, hostage taking from the highways, invasion of vulnerable communities to adopt helpless villagers, all for ransom and as well as endemic corruption in all spheres, ethno-religions intolerance and conflicts, arms proliferation in use by herdsmen, kidnappers and robbery gangs among others like endless labour disputes, farmers/Herdsmen clashes, said it was high time steps are taken to arrest the situation.
Looking at the peculiarities of Ondo State as an oil producing state with international boundary on one of the longest coast lines and as a major transit point across the state, Olu Ajanaku urged lay faithfuls to constructively engage authorities on security matters and good governance as well as support humanitarian activities.
He stressed the need to organize sensitization programme for Lay Faithfuls and other Nigerians, diligent talent spotting of potential leaders and their recruitment/ enlistment, support localized ownership of security outfits among others.
He, however called for appointment of resourceful and purposeful leaders saying it is a necessary condition for good governance.
