The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi plans to re-focus the nation’s miliatry on external threats and border protection, and the police on internal security threats and law enforcement, if elected as president in 2023.
This is according to Obi’s campaign manifesto officially released on Sunday, December 4, 2022.
In the manifesto, it is stated that if elected, Obi and Baba-Ahmed’s administration will undertake institutional reforms to secure Nigerians, which consists of four initiatives pursued simultaneously:
- Reforming the security sector, with particular emphasis on re-focusing the military on external threats and border protection, and the police on internal security threats and law enforcement;
- Swift, firm and fair prosecution of criminals, bandits and terrorists to end impunity;
- Enhanced coordination among security agencies to enhance operational efficiency,
- Fair and transparent administration of justice hinged on the rule of law.
His administration plans to “improve the functioning and effectiveness” of the police by “strengthening their civilian oversight as well as increasing their size, equipment, funding, and enhancing their professional training.”
Peter Obi’s administration also plans to decentralize the management of security institutions.
The manifesto also stated that grant-in-aid will be used to “encourage efficient criminal justice administration at subnational levels, namely, state, local government and community security administration.
“To deal with cross-border crimes, we will also adjust security modalities to address gaps and vulnerabilities arising from our obligations under the ECOWAS Protocol on the Movement of Persons.”
If elected, his administration also plans to “strengthen the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Police Affairs, and other regulatory and supervisory agencies to provide robust and regulatory oversight and enhance coordination and performance of statutory mandates of the security services.”
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
