Rule of Law Essential In Tackling Insecurity – APC Nat Secretary
The Spokesperson and Chairman of the 9th Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Dr Ajibola Basiru has charged the Executive arm of the Government to champion constitutional obedience, the Legislature to enhance its oversight, the Judiciary to guard its independence and the citizens to conscientiously demand transparency and accountability.
Dr Basiru gave the charge in his paper at the 4th Distinguished Personality Lecture of the College of Law, Osun State University.
Speaking on the theme; Democratic Governance, National Security and the Rule of Law, the well read legal practitioner and politician noted that democracy, security and the rule of law interweave and are mutually reinforcing, stressing that effective interplay of the three is crucial for a stable State.
He explained that Democratic Governance provides the mechanism for legitimate authority, the rule of law ensures the exercise of the authority is just and accountable while the National security is the necessary condition for the political community to thrive. Dr Basiru also added that the Civil Society, the Media and Citizens all have roles to play in security accountability.
“The Civil Society Organizations should act as essential watchdogs, the media should be free and independent to ensure that the Public is accurately informed and prevent spread of propaganda and fake news that can inflame ethno-religious suspicion and worsen security situations.”
“Citizens on their own part should be partners in intelligence sharing and community vigilance which I see as effective in complementing the military approach.”
The law teacher and author used the occasion to underscore his support for a State police According to him, a single, federally controlled police force cannot effectively respond to acts of insecurity which calls for quick localized responses. Senator Basiru expatiated that State police would complement federal police and improve community engagement, local intelligence gathering and operational speed to protect the nation from the hydra-headed security threats.
The former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Osun State suggested that Nigeria must move beyond merely diagnosing problems to enacting actionable strategies already enumerated.
Dr Basiru submitted that fortifying the rule of law, strengthening public trust and reinforcing democratic norms will make Nigeria withstand present threats and position itself as a model of democratic resilience on the African continent.