The Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Kpotun- Idris, has once again solicited the cooperation of Nigerians in order to tackle the insecurity challenge in the country.
Idris made the call in his address of welcome during the public lecture on security with the theme “Insecurity: Socio-Economic Impacts and Conflict Resolution Perspectives” on Tuesday in Uyo.
He said that the police and all security agencies would need the support of the South-South people and all Nigerians to curb the menace of insecurity and bring development to the country.
He said that the lecture, organised for stakeholders in the South-South, was the second in the series to be held across the six geopolitical zones, to find solutions to security challenges confronting the nation.
“I want to assure you that the Police, under my watch, is committed to defeating all security challenges confronting our dear country; but we cannot do it alone.
“We need the support of the South-South people and that of all Nigerians.
“It is my belief that these lecture series will assist the Police in understanding the different security challenges in the various geopolitical zones.
“It will help in articulating solutions and strategies to tackle them, using the ideas gathered to formulate lasting strategies and solutions to the challenges.”
He said that the theme of the lecture was germane as it would afford the Police an opportunity to critique the impact of insecurity on the socio-economic development of the country.
The Inspector-General of Police urged Niger Delta youths not to resort to militancy and criminality as a way of resolving their grievances but constantly engage the government through legitimate channels to resolve issues.
In his remarks, the Chairman on the occasion, Mr Usani Uguru Usani, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, identified cultism among the youths as a threat to national security.
He said that insecurity was the greatest threat to the country’s socio-economic development, calling on all Nigerians to take the issue of security as a personal business.
The minister decried the havoc caused by insecurity in the country, noting that it had rendered some children orphans.
He, however, said that the use of force was not a solution to resolving conflicts but peaceful engagement.
Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom said that the Niger Delta, being the oil hub of the country, should have more federal presence.
He said that the government must provide security to ensure the flow of commerce and industry in the country.
The governor commended the police and all security agencies for their spectacular performance in curbing insecurity in the country.
In his goodwill message, Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers said that security issues should not be politicised but handled professionally.
Wike identified imposition of candidates on the electorate as one of the causes of insecurity in the country.
He appealed to political leaders in the country to work with intention of leaving positive legacies after office.
The Cross River governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, also urged the government to improve on the welfare of Nigerians as one of the measures to check insecurity.
“The welfare of the people must be taken seriously to check insecurity,” Ayade said.
Gov’s of Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Cross River, Dep Gov Bayelsa, National and State Assembly members, Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Council of Chiefs, Niger State, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Traditional Rulers as well as prominent sons and daughters from the south/ south zone were among the mammoth crowd that grace the peace summit.
