A FORMER Inspector General of Police, Chief Sunday Ehindero has advised the Federal government to dialogue with the dreaded Islamic group, Boko Haram, in order to solve the security problems Nigeria is currently facing.
He stated this recently, while speaking as the guest lecturer, at this year’s Founder’s Day celebration of Wesley University of Science and Technology, (WUSTO), Ondo.
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| Prof Tola Badejo, Vice Chancellor, WUSTO, Ondo |
According to the former IGP, who spoke on the topic, “Impact of Science and Technology on National Security and Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” the modern approach to security and security threats is to broaden the concept to include protection from threats to life and means of livelihood; safety from bodily harm, and freedom from fear and diseases, unemployment, violent conflict and human rights violations.
The Ogbagi Akoko, Ondo state-born legal practitioner, while quoting Robert McNamara on what security is, said, “Security means development. Security is not military hardware, though it may include it; security is not military force, though it may involve it; security is not traditional military activity, though it may encompass it. Security is development, and without development, there can be no security…Development means economic, social and political progress. It means a reasonable standard of living.”
Speaking further, Chief Ehindero stated that environmental degradation, over population and the collapse of educational and health institutions and systems are the major root causes of the nation’s security challenges.
“Together, these factors and their different and dynamic contexts define the character and dynamics of contemporary security challenges, which invariably impact in the downward pull on economic performance and therefore on political stability. These underlying causes of turmoil are often ignored; instead, government addresses the poverty and instability that are just symptoms of the real causes of insecurity,” he said.
According to him, “Boko Haram poses a strategic terror that everybody is a potential victim. However, rather than the old strategic concept of massive military response, the present situation needs a lot of non-military content. Dialogue is needed to dissuade disaffected groups from choosing terrorism as a tactic to achieve their goals. The cumulative neglect by past leaders in areas where Boko Haram reside culminating in underdevelopment and miss-education calls for a new approach of reconciliation, education, poverty alleviation and development.
The programme, which was held, under the chairmanship of Ambassador Omotayo Ogunsulire, was attended by important personalities from within and outside the country, among who were,Oba (Sir) Dr. Samuel Adeyemi Akinmusire, the Oludoko of Idoko, High Chief (Sir) Dr. Olabanji Akingbule, the Odunwo of Ondo Kingdom, High Chief Fagbamiye, the Lisa of Ile Oluji, Prof Adeyemi Aderoba, the Lotujama of Ondo, Chief Olusola Gilbert, Reve Canon DM Akindojutimi, Provost of The Cathedral of Saint Stephen, Oke Aluko, Ondo as well as students and Academicians from WUSTO and other institutions across Nigeria.
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