Insecurity: Govt must rise to its responsibility, says Archbishop Amoo

THE Most Rev. Israel Afolabi Amoo, Archbishop of Kwara Province and Bishop of New Bussa Diocese (Anglican Communion), has called on the government to fulfill its responsibility of ensuring the security of lives and property across the country.

The cleric made the call in his charge delivered at the Second Session of the Sixth Synod of the New Bussa Diocese, held on May 30, at St. John Church, New Bussa. The synod was themed “Godly Remnants” (Isaiah 37:31-32).

According to the Archbishop, insecurity has become a pressing national challenge that requires urgent attention, stressing that the government must take deliberate and decisive steps to address the situation.

“Our insecurity is a sad commentary that absolute lawlessness and a lack of respect for the sanctity of human life are engaging the attention of Nigerians at a time when we should be thinking and acting in ways that could pave the way for all-round development in the country,” he said.

“The adverse consequences of insecurity are multifaceted. Suffice it to say that it does not provide an environment conducive to business growth and also discourages foreign investors from investing in the country, as Nigeria is perceived to be volatile and unsafe for profitable ventures.

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“One is not canvassing for a society without conflict, as such a society would be utopian. Conflict does not necessarily have to lead to crisis, violence, destruction, or vandalism. It should be seen from its functional angle as an opportunity for change. The whole is better than the part. It is high time we began to appreciate the beauty of our diversity. Nigerians are tired of a culture of violence that results in the loss of lives and property.

“A situation where innocent people go to places of worship, work, or social gatherings and are brutally killed for no offence committed is unacceptable. It is anti-social and cannot lead to meaningful development or attract significant investment to a country so richly blessed with abundant natural resources. If Nigeria must tread the path of progress and development, we must seek to live in harmony, work towards a structurally just society, and eliminate unjust structures.

“We therefore call on the government, which is saddled with the responsibility of protecting lives and property, to rise to the occasion and confront the forces threatening the nation’s security. The government must equip security agencies with the capacity required by the situation,” he added.

These terrorists deploy sophisticated weapons, often leaving our security personnel unable to match force with force when confrontations arise.

“We also call on the government to provide theoretical, psychological, and practical training for security personnel to enable them cope with the increasingly challenging security environment. It is the duty of government to protect lives and property and create a stable and conducive atmosphere for business and investment to thrive. A safe environment is a prerequisite for growth and development.”

The Archbishop also underscored the importance of good governance as a foundation for sustainable national development.

“This synod advocates good governance at all levels of our socio-cultural and political engagement. We cannot, as a nation, achieve good governance without a transformation of the anti-social values that currently dominate our society. It is only when we enthrone good governance that we can expect effective service delivery. The views of minorities must also be taken into consideration in the decision-making process,” he added.

“We therefore call on governments at all levels to embrace transparency, accountability, democratic commitment, capacity-building, and a positive value reorientation as solutions to the challenges of poor performance, poverty, and inadequate service delivery that have long bedevilled our country.”