• Targets solution to inter-agency rivalry
From Fred Itua, Abuja
As part of moves to address the security problems in the country, the Senate has concluded plans to draft a new security blueprint, in collaboration with heads of various security agencies.
During the week, the Senate postponed its planned interface with heads of various security agencies, as part of moves to address the nation’s lingering insecurity.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio who presided over the plenary session for the day, said the upper legislative chamber would step down the briefing and expand the scope to accommodate more key government officials to join the long list of those expected. The security briefing was subsequently moved to next Tuesday at about 11 am.
Those that are now expected at the briefing are the NSA; Chiefs of Defence Staff, Army, Navy and Air Force; Minister of Defence and Minister of State, Defence; Minister of Interior; Director-General of the DSS; Minister of Police Affairs and the Minister of State; Minister of Finance; and Director-General of National Intelligence Agency.
A lawmaker who spoke to Saturday Sun at length, said the upper legislative chamber has had closed door sessions to deliberate on the state of the nation, especially security challenges.
He said the country’s current security architecture can no longer confront the rising and changing insecurity dynamics in the 21st century.
The lawmaker said some key components of the nation’s security architecture need some constitutional and legislative interventions in order to conform with modern realities.
He said: “The security architecture is weak. The President can do something, but he’s limited. Some of the things that need to be done need our intervention as lawmakers. We’ve taken up the challenge to play our part.
“We’ve had many closed door sessions to deliberate on these issues. It was during one of those sessions that we decided to summon heads of security agencies. It is very important that we hear from them.
“After the interactions, a comprehensive and modern blueprint will be produced in the form of resolutions and legislations. The leadership of the Senate will meet with the President to submit the document.
“We’re hoping that the various security agencies will play their parts when we do ours. If this government fails, it means we’ve all failed and that’s why we’re taking the initiative to do this as representatives of the people.”
Confirming the development, Senate spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu, said no stone will be left unturned during the deliberations and interactions with heads of security agencies.
He said one key issue that will be addressed is the inter-agency rivalry within the security circle, as well as other important components needed to address the country’s security challenges.
He said: “As you know, we invited all heads of security agencies. We had to postpone it because two important heads were absent. That’s the NSA and the Chief of Defence Staff. They’ll return next week.
“After the interface with them, we’ll come up with a document on recommendations and how to restructure the security architecture of the country. That’s the plan.
“We don’t want to work in a vacuum. We want to hear from those working on the field. Once we hear from them, we’ll now get to work and come up with a blueprint we’ll submit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementation.”
In a terse response to our enquiry on the issue, Director of Defence Information, Brig-General Tukur Gusau said: “We are working perfectly well with the National Assembly.”