DIRECTOR-General of the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Prof. Taiye Simbine has faulted the framework of looking at the insecurity issues, warning that it must be thoroughly re-examined.
Prof. Simbine spoke at a Roundtable Discussion on Insecurity with other professors and international relations expert, which was organised by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) at the weekend.
The university don, who said the problem of insecurity in Nigeria sat firmly in the zone of complexity said: “I think we have been utilising the classical way of looking at the security through the kinetic or non-kinetic.
“The framework has been wrong. If we have itemised the challenges Nigeria is facing, the thinking is in silos. The problem of insecurity in Nigeria sits firmly in the zone of complexity. We just see problems as multifactorial.”
NIIA Director-General, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae expressed optimism of Nigerians to be conscious towards working together as the country moves ahead 2023.
Osaghae said: “As Nigeria moves ahead towards 2023, we hope the people are more conscious of the need to work together.”
A Professor at the Department of Political Science, Northwestern University, Richard Joseph, stated that stabilisation was urgent for the country to combat its insecurity scourge.
According to Joseph, it is the responsibility of the sovereign states to provide basic protection and basic assistance when called upon.
“Considering the country, Nigeria’s stabilisation is urgent. It is the responsibility of the sovereign states to provide basic protection and basic assistance when called upon,” he said.
Prof. Habu Muhammad of Bayero University in Kano State called for collaborative efforts among all the security agents to ensure that adequate security is maintained.
He noted the need to get rid of political entrepreneurs profiteering from the insecurity situation in the country.
An Associate and acting Director of Research in NIIA, Prof. Ebim Ubi, identified leadership and governance as the problem bedevilling African countries, stressing that the countries would move forward if issues proffered were taken into consideration.
Habu said trans-border insurgency, and incessant crimes at this time of Nigeria’s development would stop only when Nigerians develop the goodwill.
Also, a former Special Adviser to the President of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Prof. M. J. Balogun, agreed with Simbine on using wrong framework to look at insecurity. He described insecurity as hydra-headed monster, stressing that there is a need to accept responsibility with a clear conceptual framework.
Prof. Balogun said the time has come to look for real, practical and workable solutions to the problem of insecurity in the country.
“Insecurity is a hydra-headed monster and we have run from pillar to post. Whoever wants to solve our problems must address the issue of complexity.
“Stabilisation should be our focus right now. Yes, the basic duty of a state is to protect its citizens. But, I think the primary responsibility should be on the state.
“We must accept responsible. We need a clear conceptual framework. The time has come to look for real, practical workable solutions to the problem of insecurity in the country.” Balogun stated.
A Professor in the Political Science Department, Bennington College, Rotimi Suberu, said the government should put in place a devolved policing structure to ensure that they are being prevented from abusing human rights.
Suberu explained that a uniform policing structure in a complex country as Nigeria was not the way to go.