By ALBERT AKPOR
CHAIRMAN of the Presidential Committee on Security and Civic Responsibility, Dr. Abdullateef Adegbite has disclosed that the essence of the committee was to galvanize interest groups with a view to achieving harmonious co-existence.

The Secretary-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, (NSCIA) dropped the hints when members of the committee paid a courtesy visit to the corporate head office of Vanguard Media, Apapa, Lagos recently.

He assured that the committee would be totally different from other earlier constituted committees in this country stressing that it will not only make recommendations to the President on its finding, members would also go all out to ensure the implementatin of its reports.

According to him: “This committee is to reappraise the existing strategies on raising awareness on potential security threats in the country. On a regular basis, map out strategies and creat structures at the three tiers of government on how members of the public including civil society organization can identify and deal with suspicious movements as well as potential threats to security through effective communication planning and public programme.

To develop curricula, incorporate information security awareness sessions to raise security and safety awareness in all educational institutions in the country.”

From left: Dr Kalu Idika Kalu, Chairman, Anthony Enahoro Legacy Coommission; Dr Lateef Adegbite and Chief Adedapo Adeniran, Pa Enahoro's classmate during a press briefing on the burial arrangements of the late Anthony Enahoro at Kings College, Lagos yesterday. Photo by Biodun Ogunleye.

Continuing, Dr. Adegbite said, “What is no longer news to all of us is the recent unrest, insecurity, flashes of threats and violence in some parts of the country. This is among others due to inter and intra political party conflicts, socio-economic agitations, ethno­religious crises, organized rebellion and outright criminality among others.

This state of insecurity and challenging threats has thrown up a new dimension in our body polity which has necessitated a renewed strategy in public awareness in the management of security and civic responsibilities. The committee in collaboration with the press and other stakeholders are to galvanize communal commitments, informed nationalistic and patriotic responses by all in the interest of our collective security.

We all owe ourselves a duty to be our brother’s keepers. We are aware that the nation and indeed the entire world have been watching with keen interest recent security challenges and developments. From mere peaceful agitations to kidnapping, armed and bomb attacks on innocent persons and development in a young democracy such as ours.”

Calling on the media to collaborate with the committee to achieve the purpose for which it was set up, Dr Adegbite said: “As watch dogs of the society and major stakeholders in bringing about positive change of values and re-orientation of the citizenry, your role cannot be undermined towards taking a front role in championing this public awareness and security crusade amongst citizens here in Lagos and indeed the whole country.

We therefore, call on all of you to join hands with the committee and the good people of Nigeria to inculcate the spirit of security-consciousness as our cardinal principle and way of life.”