lOnly Constitutional amendment’ll curb insecurity— Afe Babalola

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

THE Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA, Maj. Gen. John Ochai, yesterday, disclosed that Kinetic option is not enough to vanquish insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria.

Ochai noted that the implementation of comprehensive physical, economic and social development strategies are also imperative for the defeat of insurgents currently pummeling several parts of the country

The Commandant spoke in Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, while delivering a paper at the 4th Aare Afe Babalola Distinguished Personality Lecture Series, DPLS, titled ‘Insecurity, Leadership and Peace Building in Nigeria: Dynamics and Challenges.’

The NDA Commandant stressed that the military alone cannot end insurgency without collaboration from the public and relevant stakeholders.

Ochai said: “Security is not simply a matter of military power but also of economic and social development.

“Insecurity environments often result from ineffective leadership, while strong leadership can mitigate insecurity.

“The military alone can’t defeat boko haram. There are other social physical elements and other security prospects that must be attached.

“There are hope and prospects to combat insecurity. Examples are some strategic initiatives from the current government in addressing insecurity.”

Only Constitutional amendment can combat insecurity — Afe Babalola

In his remarks, the founder of ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola, called for amendments of constitution to better equip the military and police to address insecurity and maintain the country’s territorial integrity.

The legal luminary also emphasized the need for peacekeeping and urged Nigerians to unite in promoting order and discipline across the nation.

He said: “The constitutional responsibility of the military is to ensure and maintain the territorial integrity of a state, while that of the police is to ensure obedience to law and order.

“If we want the country to move forward, our law should be amended in such a way to saddle the military with the enforcement and obedience to law and order in this country.

“We must all unite to endure order, orderliness and discipline in our society.”