The National Peace Committee (NPC), yesterday, raised the concern over the shifting loyalties from the States and constitutionally-recognised security outfits, saying that local communities are now depending on informal security networks and vigilantes to protect them.
The NPC Chairman, former Head of State, Gen. AbdulSalam Abubakar (rtd), raised the alarm in Abuja, during a 2-day multi-stakeholders’ meeting on the peace and inclusive security initiative organised by the Nigeria Governors Forum, (NGF), in partnership with the Center for Democracy and Development, (CDD).
Represented at the event by the Team Lead of the Committee, Father Attah Barkin?o, AbdulSalam, stated that such development needs to be considered, especially as the country moves towards the general elections in 2023.
According to him, “Last week, I was sent by the General on some assignments in Maiduguri, in Borno State and I travelled from Yola to Mubi by road; Mubi-Madagali, Madagali-Uba-Lasa, and I saw local communities depending on informal security networks and vigilantes to protect them.
“Loyalties of local communities and local people are shifting away from States and constitutionally-recognised security outfits”.
“I think, as we move towards the general elections in 2023, these are key areas that we really have to consider”, he added.
He, however, assured of the Committee’s willingness and openness to deepen collaboration with the NGF to see how stakeholder interventions can be provided at the highest level of governance.
Earlier, the NGF Chairman, Kayode Fayemi, reiterated that the annual meeting was organised in partnership with the Center for Democracy Development, (CDD), to spark conversations towards finding innovative solutions to the security challenges in the country.
According to him, the NGF is making efforts to create platforms to share ideas on how every stakeholder can contribute to the work of restoring peace and security to the nation, following the launch of the NGF’s Peace and Inclusive Security Initiative, in July 2021.
The NGF boss, who is also the Ekiti State governor, noted that the level of insecurity across the country not only jeopardises citizens’ safety and their means of livelihoods but also impedes the exercise of the rights of Nigerians, particularly the right to life, movement and ultimately, the country’s socio-economic development.
The British High Commissioner, Catriona Wendy Campbell Laing, stated that the UK is a very proud supporter of the dialogue for peace and stability in Nigeria.
Represented by the British High Commissioner, Jonathan Bacon, described Nigeria as a very diverse country with different challenges in different parts, adding that the UN and Nigeria have enjoyed a long-term relationship based on mutual respect.
“We, and the Federal Government, States, Nigerian Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), have very strong partnerships that are based upon mutual respect and shared objectives”, she stated.
Laing expressed hope that the outcomes of the discussions at the summit will help address the challenges facing the country.
