Abuja: The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called upon security stakeholders in the South-East to resist misinformation and back efforts to enhance grassroots policing through constitutional reforms focusing on state police. This appeal was made during the inaugural South-East Regional Security Summit held in Umuahia, Abia, themed ‘Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability.’
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the minister emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering stronger cooperation among various sectors, including governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, faith communities, civil society, and citizens. He stated, “Let us support constitutional reforms that strengthen grassroots policing. Let us reject misinformation, resist the voices of division and work together to build communities founded on trust, justice, and shared prosperity.”
The minister underscored the desire of President Bola Tinubu to bring security and policing closer to communities across the country, urging stakeholders to support the establishment of state police. He called on the five governors in the South-East region, state legislatures, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and other relevant stakeholders to engage constructively in the ongoing constitutional process on state police at the National Assembly.
Idris stressed the importance of this moment for national engagement, encouraging comprehensive participation from governors, state legislatures, traditional institutions, religious leaders, civil society, professional bodies, and the media in the constitutional process. He highlighted that peace extends beyond the absence of conflict, emphasizing the necessity of justice, opportunity, inclusion, and hope.
The summit’s theme necessitated a holistic approach involving governments, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society, and citizens. The minister reiterated the administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property through improved intelligence sharing, enhanced inter-agency coordination, better equipment for security agencies, and international partnerships.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, expressed the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting legislative measures to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture. He highlighted the importance of strong partnerships among government, security agencies, traditional institutions, civil society, and citizens in addressing insecurity.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, called for stronger regional cooperation and institutional reforms to tackle evolving security challenges. He underscored the need for collaboration, community trust, and collective responsibility in achieving security.
Governor Alex Otti of Abia described security as the foundation for development and prosperity, emphasizing the need for economic opportunities for the youth, strengthened intelligence sharing, and addressing crime’s root causes.
Lastly, Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd), affirmed the federal government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property through sustained investments in the Armed Forces and other security agencies. He highlighted the shared responsibility of security, requiring the collective commitment of government, communities, and citizens.