The Nigeria Bar Association, NBA has called on the government to intervene in the rising insecurity in the country as the 2023 general elections draws near
The appeal was made at the Annual Law Week organized by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) “LION BAR” entitled “ Security: Panacea for National Growth “ in Benin City.
Declaring the week open, the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Joe Acha observed that matters of national security was a collective issue which have to be discussed by all and sundry for the overall corporate existence and progress of any nation.
According to him, “no nation can afford to treat with levity the security of its territorial integrity and of its people. Little wonder that Section 14 chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provides that…the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”
In his remarks, the keynote speaker, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) stated that democracy and good governance ensure that such peace, security and development become more inclusive and promote the rights, prosperity and welfare of all citizens of those nations.
He however bemoaned the Nigerian situation and the failure of leaders over their insensitivity to have cohesion of thought and principles toward the security of its citizens.
Earlier, the Chairman of NBA, Pius Oiwoh stated that the aggregate views of discussants would be carried across to government and stakeholders. He noted that the issue of security has become endemic hence the need to act with the NBA spearheading the movement in collaboration with non governmental organizations to direct attention of government to key areas of focus in order to ensure peace in our society.
Chairman, Local Organizing Committee, Dayo Aimofumeh noted that despite adopting an approach which seem not to be working optimally and effectively, he therefore urged the people to have a sincerity of purpose and that security breeches are not normal based on even the lack of trust of the security apparatus by citizens hence the need to purge ourselves of this anomaly.
FIDA Chairperson, Mrs. Violet Oghogho Olumese opined that people should be allowed to carry small arms and ammunitions as obtainable in advanced countries to beat down crimes in society which ultimately affects women and children.
She further argued that security funds she also stated should be used to equip the security apparatus adequately to function well at their constitutional role of peace keeping.
On his part, Professor Job Ohioma Odion from University of Benin pointed out that the theme was apt and in the right direction as it was already programming people towards the outcome of the 2023 elections in Nigeria.
