Nigeria Content Online

The security of the
nation must remain the first priority of all ministers, Aliyu Mohammed
Gusau, the National Security Adviser to the Acting President, has
warned. Speaking at a Security Awareness seminar for ministers held in
Abuja over the weekend, Mr. Gusau, a retired General, cautioned that
the ministers must be conscious of the security implications of the
decisions they take on behalf of the country.

The one-day seminar
took the new ministers through other relevant matters such as foreign
intelligence activities and threats to security, security of
information, documents and the operations of government and enhancing
personal protection, security and safety. Other discussions centred on
the anti-corruption campaign of the government, crime and society, as
well the current challenges of law enforcement.

The session was
moderated by both the Secretary to the Government of the Federation,
Yayale Ahmed and the Head of Service, Steve Oronsaye.

According to
Adebisi Adekunle, Chief Press Secretary to the National Security
Adviser, Mr. Gusau had reviewed the nation’s security and warned that
ministers must be at the frontline of efforts to restore sanity and
stability while increasing public confidence in the ability of
government to function as expected.

Security and human development

Stressing that the
enhancement of human development is a key security objective, Mr. Gusau
stated that, “Nigeria is rated low in human development index issued
periodically by international institutions. Public officials have to be
conscious of the impressions we convey by the way we value or
depreciate the worth of the average Nigerian. The carnage in Jos and
the summary killing of Boko Haram suspects by the police showed the
world that Nigerians do not value themselves.” He added that the
prevalence of polio, guinea worm, malaria and other disease which have
been eradicated in other parts of the world has brought into question
the commitment of our government to human development.

Mr. Gusau said the
country’s poor educational system as well as indices of high
unemployment level, poverty, low food security arising from the
country’s inability to feed its people and decaying infrastructure have
all undermined the nation’s security.

Threatened by crime

On crime control,
the security adviser told the ministers that “the security of lives,
properties and livelihood is threatened by crime.” He said the crime
situation in the country is so high that law enforcement agencies
appear overwhelmed by the sad situation.

He lamented that,
“Very little attention is paid to the prevention of crime. Proactive
security measures assist to prevent crimes. Good laws and efficient
penal system will deter criminals and reduce crimes. It seems our
current legal system promotes crimes.’’ The judicial arm of government
did not escape his criticism. He said it is difficult to prosecute
offenders because of lengthy delays in court processes while “criminals
go in and out of prison at will, becoming serial offenders.’’

Corruption as a threat

Stating that corruption is an economic crime that threatens the country’s survival, Mr.

Gusau said it is
endemic because the current anti-corruption campaign has been largely
considered to be ineffective and selective.

“This is because
it penalizes a few unfortunate individuals, while society sees many
they consider guilty enjoying their loot in freedom. Some of the
agencies involved in anti-corruption have credibility problems, their
leaders being accused of wrong-doings.” On the banking sector, he said
the situation reflects the double standards critics perceive in the
administration of justice; every bank seems to be doing the same thing,
yet only a few got penalised.

“The fragility of
the economy further dictates that offenders be interdicted without
damaging the sector”, he said. However, he lamented that the on-going
intervention by the Central Bank of Nigeria, “seemed to have damaged
economic activity in the banking sector to the detriment of the larger
society.” Charging the ministers to be conscious of the impact of
public policy on the nation’s security, Mr. Gusau said, “I want you to
always remember that national security interests are paramount and must
be respected. Public policy can have significant impact.” He said it is
therefore important for certain public policies to have security input
so that policies which may be considered controversial are implemented
with adequate preparation by security agencies.

Charging the
ministers on the need to carry the people along in policy planning and
implementation, Mr. Gusau said that to do otherwise would have serious
consequences both in the short and long run.