THE ROAD TO NATIONAL SECURITY
At The Inauguration of the Presidential Panel on National Security
Abuja, 31 October, 2001
Ladies and Gentlemen, the nation is well aware that in the recent past, we have lived under the best benefits of, and the most trying challenges of, democratic governance. The major breaches recorded in our security and inter-communal harmony however, cannot, by any stretch of imagination, be ascribed to the return to democracy, for democracy fundamentally implies, and is built upon, a peaceful means to the resolution of problems.
In an attempt to exercise the freedoms guaranteed by democracy, some of our people have over-stepped their lawful limits and gone far too dangerously to infringe on the basic rights of other citizens, including their rights to life. These excesses have resulted in social disturbances, and have compounded unacceptable-high levels of armed robbery and banditry, illegal arms trafficking, illegal militia, and other violent crimes.
Thus, we have sadly and painfully lost hundreds of lives and an unquantifiable value of property to avoidable disturbances in virtually all the six geopolitical zones of the country. We even lost security personnel on legitimate peace-keeping assignments in troubled spots. These unfortunate incidents have become serious distractions in our collective effort to achieve real progress and prosperity. Furthermore, these disturbances have threatened the core values that bind us together as a civilized nation. The efforts to nurture our nascent democracy have also come under some threats.
However, it is the responsibility of Government to muster all resources at its disposal to protect the lives and property of all citizens and all those living in our midst, and to provide the required atmosphere for lawful productive activities. And our Government is determined to do just that.
In our determination to find lasting solutions to these security challenges, we organised the Retreat on National Security in August, 2001. Many of you present here attended and participated in the deliberations. In recognition of the fact that all Nigerians are stakeholders in the enterprise of national security, participation at the Retreat was deliberately planned to cut across all segments and interest groups. Happily, the deliberations were very rich, frank, down-to-earth and indeed fruitful and rewarding.
This Presidential Panel on National Security has been set up to build on the successes of the Retreat, by exploring further awareness and strategies for achieving higher levels of security for life and property, including peaceful co-existence between our communities and people of different faiths. You will agree with me that this will require an in-depth study and analysis of the remote and immediate causes of security breaches in the country. Your terms of reference are therefore as follows:
► to study and analyse the remote causes of breach of peace and security, whether historical, religious, civil, ethnic, economic, social, political, etc, that have contributed to the recurring conflicts which the nation has witnessed over the years, resulting in wanton destruction of lives and property;
► to identify potential and current flashpoints of conflicts in the country, including trends of sequences of events preceding specific forms of security threats and criminal activities;
► to identify reasons for the near sporadic and spontaneous eruptions all over the country in recent times;
► to examine the role and effectiveness of Government and its institutions at the Federal, State, and Local levels, in the prevention and management of crisis, including early warning signals and post-crisis management strategies;
► to recommend measures to be taken at community, including traditional institutions, Local Government, State and National Government to arrest the situation and curb the incessant eruptions, including measures for strengthening crime prevention efforts of law enforcement agencies; and
► to make recommendations on any matter which the Panel might consider relevant or appropriate in the circumstances.
Beyond these terms, we extend to you complete autonomy to work out a modus-operandi that will best ensure that you afford every Nigerian the chance to make input into improving individual and collective security of this nation. You are expected to conclude your assignment and turn in the report in three months.
In recognition of the fact that your assignment is daunting, your selection is based purely on merit and integrity. We are optimistic that your tested patriotism and wealth of experience will be brought to bear on the outcome of this all-important national assignment. Government will provide the necessary support to enable you undertake and complete your assignment.
Congratulations on your appointment to serve on this Panel.
I thank you. May God bless you all.