To x-ray the worsening security situation in the country and proffer lasting solutions, the Senate has inaugurated a 17-member ad-hoc committee to evolve proactive measures to ensure protection of lives and property of the citizenry.
The Senate is concerned that there is serious security crisis in the nation and security agencies are inefficient to contain it.
The Senate had on resumption from six weeks recess, took a whole day to deliberate on insecurity in the country. The lawmakers had directed the federal government to immediately declare state of emergency on security.
The Senate’s security committee is chaired by the Leader of the Senate, Yahayah Abdullahi. It is mandated to restructure, review and reorganize the entire security system of the country.
Other members of the committee are Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Ali Ndume, Aliyu Wamako, Aliru Jika, Kashim Shetima, Bala Na’Allah, Thompson Sekibo, Ibrahim Gobir, Suleiman Kwari, Geishon Basil, Stella Odua, Ibikunle Amosun, Abba Moro, Yusuf A. Yusuf and Kabiru Gaya respectively.
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan while inaugurating the committee said the constitution guarantees protection of the life and property of every Nigerian and the Government’s commitment to uphold same.
According to him, security sector governance elaborate rules that set standards for state and human security by applying the principle of good governance to the security sector.
“This makes security provision, oversight and management more effective and more accountable, within the framework of democratic civilian control. It means that institutions fulfill their respective roles and responsibilities to a high professional standard based on Good Security Sector Governance standard and best practices.
“Certain Fundamental principles must be adhered to in order to ensure that the provision of security is under pined by democratic values. The Legislature also further seeks a Security Sector Reform (SSR) that will transform the Security Sector and assign roles and responsibilities in a manner that is consistent with democratic norms and the principles of good governance. These principles include respect for the rule of law, transparency, accountability, and public trust.
“The Nation must initiate the process to formulate or re-orient the policies, structures and capacities of institutions and groups engaged in the Security Sector in order to make them more effective, efficient, accountable, and responsive to democratic control and to the security and justice needs of the people.
“We must recognize the interrelations between the qualities of Security Sector Governance (SSG) within the context of sustainable development as no Nation can develop in the face of gross insecurity.
“All hands must be on deck to contribute towards ensuring Good Security Sector Governance (SSG) that will promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
“I therefore call on the Members of the Ad-Hoc Committee to be rigorous in their assignment in order to deepen the understanding of the nature of the security crisis, have a realistic assessment of the problem and proffer workable solution,” Lawan stated.
Solomon Ayado, Abuja
