In a resounding call for a paradigm shift in security operations, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ,NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, urged security personnel to prioritize and uphold the rule of law.
The impassioned plea was delivered during a two-day seminar in Abuja, focusing on promoting inter-agency collaboration. The event, supported by the Federal Republic of Germany Foreign Affairs, sought to foster a shared commitment to legal frameworks governing security activities.
Audi underscored the pivotal role of the rule of law in democratic societies, citing its foundational importance in developed countries where its observance contributes to reduced conflicts.
He expressed concern about the challenges facing African nations, emphasizing the need for citizens, including security personnel, to embrace and respect the rule of law. Audi particularly highlighted instances where security officials have been implicated in rule violations, calling for a collective commitment to rectify this trend.
“The discussion on the rule of law is very apt and germane as far as this workshop is concerned. We are all aware that the rule of law is one of the basics of democracy. In developed countries, we have seen how the rule of law is observed, perhaps that is why fewer conflicts occur there.
We have also seen that one of the problems that African countries have is the observance of the rule of law. This rule of law is also abused by security officials. They try to break the rules. But if we want to thrive and put African nations on the right path, we must observe the rule of law,” the CG passionately asserted.
The seminar, attended by heads of various security agencies, served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration. Addressing the participants, Lukas Laible, Deputy Resident Representative of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, a German Foundation, emphasized the critical role of agency leaders in setting an example and fostering a culture of dedication to mandated responsibilities.
“You are all part of an agency and are bound to the mandate of your respective agency. This is necessary in a system of rule of law. But, it is up to every person wearing a security outfit, how to fill that mandate with life and action.
You can either be a front-runner, someone who is willing to dedicate his service to the fulfilment of the mandate, or you could be someone who is just doing the necessary. You here are all front-runners, you are heads of agencies, you are the ones leading your fellow colleagues. You are all leading by example, by special dedication,” remarked Laible.
As the seminar unfolded, it became a crucible for shaping a collective commitment to adherence to the rule of law among security agencies. The impassioned plea by the NSCDC Commandant General echoed through the corridors of power, signifying a call to action for a more just and law-abiding security apparatus.
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