A retired Nigerian Army General and politician, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahaman Danbazau, has identified good governance, application of conflict Management Mechanism, Intelligence and Counter Intelligence, Job Creation, amongst others as panacea for tackling insecurity in Nigeria.

The former Chief of Army Staff stated this at the third Public Lecture of the Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State.

In his presentation on the theme of the event “Nigeria and Her Security Challenges: Revisited”, Lt. Gen. Danbazau said the Country was faced multi dimensional security issues, saying such has constitute national threat.

While Categorizing Nigeria’s National Security Threats to include threat against law and order, threat against unity of Nigeria, well being and survival of citizens amongst others, he calls for holistic, national and international strategies to combat security threats squarely.

He said all citizens has a role to play at ensuring a secured Country, stressing that pointing accusing fingers to leaders alone will do the nation more harm than good.

“Corruption is a major problem in the Country, not just in the public sectors alone, it has eaten deep to the fabrics of our society

“The wrong things people have practiced for a long time is now regarded as the right thing while those doing the right thing are now seen as insane people

“I believe we can still have a safe and secured society but all hands must be on deck

“As individuals, do the right thing always, you will benefit from it and others will as well benefit from your good attitude” he said.

The Former Minister of Interior pointed out that security guarantees peace, stressing that no meaningful development can take place in the absence of peace.

He said inter and intra communal crisis still exist in some parts of the Country, advising Nigerians to let go of insignificant issue which has led to the lost of lives and property of many in the past.

“Some of threats facing the nation is complex, government must first understand it’s complexity so that they can find lasting solution to them

“Religious intolerance is also another threat so we advice our religious leaders to stick to the dictates of the holy books, let’s avoid teachings and histories that will trigger followers to take arms against people of other fate

“Circulation of weapons among citizens, cybercrimes, electoral violence, fast rising population of Nigeria citizens, poverty, unemployment, hate speeches, media abuse, ignorance and illiteracy, poor parenting, poor governance, corruption, food insecurity, all these are triggers and drivers of Insecurity in Nigeria and we must all contribute our quota at nailing them on the bud”

Speaking further, Lt. Gen. Danbazau explained that “the consequences of Insecurity in Nigeria include fear and pressure, denies Nigerians of their daily livelihood, gross resources goes into acquiring weapons by the government to fight against enemies of the State, discourages investors, displaces people, raises suspicion and distrust, attacks on schools increases number of out of school children and insecurity affects Nigeria’s image in the international Community

“So, to tackle security challenges in our dear Country, good governance, Socio economic development, speedy administration of Justice, application of Conflict Management Mechanism, development of counter narratives, intelligence and counter intelligence, effective policing, proper use of force, strengthening regional and global partnership will go a long way at actualizing a secured Nigeria”

The former Chief of Army Staff called on Media practitioners in the Country to be professional in their reportage and desist from stories that may incite crisis among Nigerians.

On his part, the Vice Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, described the Public Lecture as timely, noting that it served as an enlightenment to the people.

Prof. Akinwumi said the theme of the event, “Nigeria and Her Security Challenges: Revisited” was carefully chosen as the Country is currently at its trial times security wise.

He stressed that the Public Lecture has in no small measure contributed to solving security challenges bedeviling the Giant of Africa, saying security was everyone’s business.

Prof. Akinwumi called on all and sundry to be alive to their responsibilities in the quest of ensuring a secured society, pointing out that the society will witness unprecedented growth in the atmosphere of peace.

He appreciated Lt. Gen. Danbazau for doing justice to the chosen topic, describing the presentation of the former Chief of Army Staff as highly commendable.

Professors, lecturers, security experts, security personnel, student, among others attended the Public Lecture.