PUNCH
The Nigerian Bar Association has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on the insecurity ravaging many parts of the country.
The NBA president, Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday while addressing journalists on the state of the nation.
Maikyau said this should be done in addition to ensuring the right investments in security in line with global trends in security without compromising Nigeria’s sovereignty.
He said insecurity has left many Nigerians homeless and businesses destroyed, adding that citizens were losing confidence in the Federal Government to deal with the insecurity plaguing the country.
He said, “Some Nigerians have lost, and many more are fast losing confidence in the ability of the Federal Government to deal with the security situation in Nigeria.
“At this time, when public confidence in the sincerity of the government in dealing with insecurity is at its lowest ebb, I strongly recommend a government/people engagement that will, at the minimum, inform the people (to the extent that security protocol may allow) about what is being done to secure the nation. Alternatively, let there be clear indicators
“I can on the President to show a demonstrable commitment to prioritise the security of the lives and properties of Nigerians as already committed by you.
“The government, through our Armed Forces and other security agencies, must ensure that no square inch of the Nigerian territory is left ungoverned; no part of Nigeria should be left under the control of criminal elements by whatever name so-called.”
The NBA president added that the FG “must adopt a holistic approach to the issue of security while not overlooking the peculiarities of each region and design bespoke measures to deal with them accordingly. In this wise, the government must neither be scared nor ashamed to make the right investments in security, in line with global trends, without compromising our sovereignty.”
He stated that it’s high time the FG declared a state of emergency “in the area of security and I urge you, Mr. President not to waste time and spare no effort in this regard. ”
He also lamented the dwindling of the economy as well as the nation’s currency.
