PSJ UK participated in the service delivery and policy alternatives session at the Chatham house event by Dr Alex Vines and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party on wednesday the 18th of January, 2023. We focused on his policies, plans and implementation strategies on security, peace and justice system.
Speaking on his plans for security, Sen. Kwankwaso says his government will “secure and ensure all Nigerians enjoy the freedom to live in dignity, freedom from fear and freedom from want” which will in turn create a conducive environment for investment and prosperity.
He will look at this by challenging the size and capacity of the security institutions, equipping security personnel and ensuring justice and fairness to all and respect of the rule of law by all.
He plans to engage and dialogue with all aggrieved groups, addressing every real and perceived grievances, Deploy personnel and set up technology to ensure every square metre of Nigeria’s territory is secured, Increase size of the Nigerian military and police and modernise their traning. He also promises to engage support and corporation of community leaders and work with international communities
Senator Kwankwaso does not demonstrate an all encompassing knowledge of the security challenges of Nigeria nor does his solutions reflect a crease cut plan to curbing insecurity.
The multi facedness of insecurity and agitations in Nigeria cannot be solved by a one-fit-all prescription. His plans regardless of how applaudable habour a 50:50 chance of either not taking off the ground or not been actualised.
While we agree that expansion of security apparatus, sophisticated equipments and training are key to curbing insecurity, we must also consider the capital intensity of these project. The government must demonstrate firm resolve in securing the country internally and externally to achieve these goals.
This births the second point of discuss which is a question that plagues the minds of many. Questions have been raised on the candidate’s willingness to secure the country.
During his speech, it was noted that security was not listed as the top four in his priority agenda which leads one to wonder his position on curbing insecurity and his willingness to invest in his listed projects if elected.
This review is not an endorsement as we maintain absolute neutrality in the election, we wish Dr. Kwankwaso the best of luck as we promise to work with him in the identified areas, if elected, to build a strong, safe and reliable society for everyone.
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