Lawan: Nigeria’s existence under threat — we need better investment in security

Senate President Ahmad Lawan says the essence of Nigeria’s existence is under “serious threat” as a result of insecurity.

Lawan stated this on Wednesday at the  special summit on national security organised by the house of representatives.

The summit, which was scheduled to commence on Monday, was postponed till Wednesday over the death of Ibrahim Attahiru, chief of army staff, and 10 other military officers.

Speaking at the event, Lawan said the country has come under serious security threats, adding that even law enforcement agencies are not left out.

“Let me start by commending the leadership of the house for organising this very special summit on national security. I want to say here that Nigeria is at a crossroads today. The very essence of the existence of this country is under serious threat,” he said.

“What started as insurgency in 2009 or so in the north-western part of Yobe has now snowballed into full scale insurgency in the entire north-east.

“What was not known to us in the north-west is now today the home of banditry and kidnapping. The north-central as we all know is not safe. It suffers the clashes between the herders and our farmers.

“And the recent introduction in the south-east is another serious threat to the existence of this country. Where government institutions are targeted, our police and security agencies personnel are being killed on a daily basis.

“Our institutions, buildings are burnt. I believe that these are threats not only to these areas but the entire nation. And our armed forces are doing their best.

“A criminal has only one name and that is criminal. No criminal should have comfort in his ethnic enclave. Whoever, where that person is, once he is a criminal, he is simply a criminal and must be dealt with in the appropriate manner regardless of where he or she is coming from.

“It is also important that we provide resources — more resources — for our security agencies to enable them better tackle the criminal activities across the country. And our armed forces can do that.

“But the fact remains that we have not enabled them enough. Today in this country, there is no better investment than investing in the security of our people.”

Lawan added that the summit will generate ideas toward tackling insecurity in the country.

“The essence of this summit, I am sure, is to look for ways and means of improving the performance of our armed forces and other security agencies,” he said.

“This summit is essential because we are tested as a country. We are tested as a people. Criminals everywhere have found probably comfort in doing what they do. This is the time for the legislature and executive arm of government to come even closer in finding solutions.

“I want to take this opportunity to appeal and ask the executive arm of government to implement whatever would be the outcome of this summit.”