A security consultant and convener of the Southern Youth Development Forum, Pastor Bassey James has shared his perspective on Nigeria’s current security situation and proposed ways to address it.
Speaking in an interview with The Nation, James, who has a background in criminology also outlined strategies to address the challenges.
When asked about his assessment of the security situation in Nigeria and where the nation went wrong, James, who is the Managing Director of Bascon Nig. Ltd acknowledged the alarming levels of insecurity but expressed confidence that the situation could be remedied.
He commended the efforts of the President and security agencies in addressing the issue but emphasized the need for a collaborative approach involving all tiers of government.
James advocated for the inclusion of traditional rulers and local government authorities in the security policy framework, stressing the importance of community policing over the establishment of state police.
He cautioned against the potential misuse of state police by incumbent governors and highlighted the effectiveness of community policing in engaging local communities and stakeholders in security management.
James said: “The issue of insecurity in the country is alarming but it is not beyond redemption. The President and the security agencies are rising to the occasion.
“I have suggested in several fora the inclusion of traditional rulers and local government areas in the policy framework in the management of security in the country. The federal government cannot do it alone; there must be an involvement of all tiers of government.
“I have said countless times that the issue of community policing should be the focus. I differ when some people call for state police because it will cause more harm than good in a country like ours.
“Take for instance the issue of the State Independent Electoral Commission, and look at how it is being used by some state governors to harass their opponents. I have no doubt the same thing will happen with the creation of the state police. Political parties will hijack it and the opposition will suffer in the hands of the ruling party.
“The problem of insecurity in Nigeria will be solved if the government can build up a community policing mechanism that would work with the National security agencies.
“If they involved the traditional rulers in the management of internal security issues in their various communities with the involvement of the divisional police officers with the youths, market women and men, security issues will be eradicated or brought to the minimal.”
Highlighting the uniqueness of community policing, James emphasized the involvement of traditional rulers, youth organizations, and local communities in the security apparatus.
He argued that this grassroots approach would enhance security by leveraging local knowledge and networks to identify and address threats effectively.
James stated: “The uniqueness of community policing is that traditional rulers will be involved. The youth organisations, market men and women and villagers will be involved. You take if from the root and the problem will be solved.
“In a community, everybody knows who is who. When a stranger comes into their village, they will know. We have used this kind of security system in the past when we have elders watching over the communities, towns and villages.
“If we have this mechanism, the DPO will be part of the security mechanism; everyone will be involved including the police in the management of security. But if we build a state police now, it will be controlled by the government in power in the state.
“If you fall out of favour with the state governor, you will be harassed. There will be issues because the state police will be used to persecute you. In community police, nobody will be controlling anybody because we have several traditional rulers and DPOs and the cost of managing security will be reduced.”
Drawing from successful security initiatives in Akwa Ibom state under Governor Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno, James underscored the importance of visionary leadership and community engagement in tackling insecurity.
He praised the establishment of the Ibom Community Watch as a model for other states to emulate.
He added: “Every part of Nigeria needs community policing. The government only needs to provide them with gadgets and other equipment to operate.
“The nation has one of the best teams today in leadership. The president was a former governor, the VP was a former governor, and the Senate president was a former governor.
“For instance, Governor Godswill Akpabio’s magic wand in the management of security in Akwa Ibom state was top-notch.
“He set up the best joint task force and built security villages across the state. He bought patrol vehicles for the police and I was involved in the setting up of the state-of-the-art security and communication systems.
“The entire state was linked to all the security agencies in the state, border communities, emergency network was created, all the divisional police stations had communication systems, up till today, the system is still working and sustained.
“Fixing insecurity is not rocket science. It can be done, let us create border control security centres. Highway security management control units, and national communication systems inter-linking the states, local government, and all the security agencies.
“It means that every piece of information will be properly processed. We are ready to assist because we have the experience of what Governor Godswill Akpabio did in Akwa Ibom state. I also built and donated a standard police station to the Akwa Ibom state police command.
“This was acknowledged and appreciated by the then IGP. I therefore advised that security consultants and criminologists should be allowed to make contributions to national security projects. Let us utilise the land mass across the regions.
“Also, I must commend the Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Pastor Umo Uno for taking the bull by horns in setting up the Ibom community watch.
“Today, Ibom community watch is everywhere in the state working in collaboration with security agencies in the state. The outfit is headed by Rtd General. This idea must commended and should be emulated.
“Pastor Umo Eno is changing the story of security in South-South and Nigeria, jobs and peace are established by the Governor is the people are relocating to the state for business.”
Regarding economic challenges and food inflation, James urged the government to prioritize agriculture and empower citizens economically through direct access to loans.
He called for sincere investment in agriculture and collaboration between federal, state, and local governments to implement effective policies.
James said: “There is hope for Nigeria and Nigerians under President Bola Tinubu. You will agree with me that the hardship we are facing is not caused by this administration. It was inherited by this administration.
“President Tinubu can solve our economic challenges which was as a result of the fuel subsidy removal which jerked up the cost of goods and services and domestic commodities.
“We cannot continue to live a life that is not feasible. The issue of the economy has always been there, past administrations were only managing it.
“Now that we have an administration that is bold enough to hit the nail on the head and confront it headlong, Nigerians need support and I am sure things will get better.”
Advising President Bola Tinubu, James recommended converting unused land into agricultural projects, decentralizing ministries to enhance efficiency, and addressing corruption in government programs.
He emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing insecurity and expressed optimism for a better future for Nigeria.
He reiterated: “I will advise him to convert lands that are left unutilised to agriculture. I will tell him to stop immediately the transfer of money through the ministries to Nigerians because it breeds corruption. I will advise him to relocate some Ministers to some regions. There is no reason for the Agriculture Minister to be in Abuja, what is he doing in Abuja?
“The issue of insecurity can be stopped if all hands are on deck. It is possible. They need to work with state, local government, and the traditional institution. I hope Nigeria will become better.
“Recently a team from the NUC visited your proposed Southern Atlantic University, what’s that gap your university is coming to fill in Nigerian tertiary institutions?
“We are bringing in entrepreneurial skills. We are bringing ICT development projects and ingenuity to the issue of technology and education. Every indigene of Akwa Ibom is happy. It is strategically located and we are open to the world.
“We will use our university to positively affect Nigerians. It is my contribution to humanity in terms of education.”
