Renewed Hope: Dissecting Tinubu’s Comprehensive Plans For Security

By Philip Ibitoye

Security, undoubtedly, is germane to the sustainability of any society. Safety of lives and properties is fundamental to key issues in national development.

Therefore any political agenda that prioritised security is worthy of media engagement. Editorial considerations are befitting of the manifesto of Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as it puts national security first.

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Tinubu’s manifesto titled “RENEWED HOPE 2023” details his grand plans to combat the menace of insecurity across Nigeria.

The incessant loss of lives and properties as a result of security lapses has earned Nigeria a name synonymous to insecurity in the comity of nations, though security agencies claim to be on the top of their game without fail.

The following is an exegesis of the national security plan of Bola Tinubu of APC, a prospective successor of President Buhari:

BOLSTERING THE SECURITY FORCES
Tinubu is set to bolster Nigeria’s security forces by recruiting, training, and better equipping additional police, military, paramilitary, and intelligence personnel. While Nigerians have heard similar promises from candidates in the past, the APC candidate appears to prioritize increasing the ranks of the security forces. He has mentioned his plans to recruit thousands of volunteer youths into the security agencies several times during this campaign season. Most recently, at the Chatham House in London, Tinubu reiterated his plan to boost the capacity of Nigeria’s security forces.

Significantly increasing the number of security agents will, undoubtedly, go a long way in addressing the security challenges in the country. In fact, Nigeria is one of the countries with the lowest policeman-to-citizens ratio in the world. While the United Nations Organization (UNO) recommends one policeman to 400 Nigerians, the Nigeria Police Force has less than 300,000 operatives to secure more than 200 million residents.

In 2017, a former inspector-general of police, Ibrahim Idris, said, “The Nigeria Police Force requires additional 155,000 personnel to adequately provide security for the country.” Therefore, it’s a step in the right direction to bolster the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies so that they are better positioned to protect lives and properties.

IMPROVING SALARIES AND WELFARE PACKAGE
Tinubu’s manifesto promises to address the welfare concerns of frontline military and security personnel. This is another huge step in the right direction. Despite promises by successive administrations to increase the salaries of security personnel, their efforts have been equivalent to a drop of water in an ocean. As such, unhappy workers have slacked in their duties and several innocent lives have been lost for it.

Hence security agencies have not attracted the best minds. By changing direction and increasing the salaries of security agents, protecting Nigeria will become attractive once again to young, agile Nigerians. The APC presidential candidate’s resolve to improve the welfare of security agents will also bolster the relevant agencies.

REPOSITIONING THE POLICE
Ideally, the task of internal security is up to the police. However, over the years, the military has taken up the job of combating terrorists and bandits terrorizing different parts of the country. The reason is simple: the police have not been up to the task. Hence, there is the need for comprehensive police reform, which Tinubu lists among his plans to secure his homeland.

While it’s important to increase the number of security agents, it makes no sense if a bunch of them are made to act as security guards for VIPs. Over the years, we’ve seen insufficient police officers used to secure a selected few in society, leaving many vulnerable people insecure. It is therefore commendable that Tinubu’s security plan involves freeing police personnel from extraneous duties such as VIP security and guard duties that limit their capacity to protect all Nigerians from harm.

Making police personnel focus on their primary duty of internal security will enhance Nigeria’s security system for a better delivery.

RESTORATION OF HOPE TO THE DISTRESSED REGIONS
It’s no secret that many states in the northern part of Nigeria are plagued by terrorism. This plague has made life hell for many residents, even making some young persons in the affected areas vulnerable enough to be recruited by non-state actors.

The Tinubu-led administration plans to restore economic hope and vitality to distressed regions. Such action will drastically reduce the number of affected youths who mix with these extreme groups out of despair and poverty.

FURTHER READING

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• Lagos Extends Free Health Insurance Coverage To 230,000 Vulnerable Residents

Finally, these security plans will be very effective in alleviating the sufferings of Nigerians if they are religiously implemented. While most Nigerian politicians largely ignore their manifestos when they get into office, there is a reason to be excited and optimistic about Tinubu manifesto on security.

Philip Ibitoye writes for Eko Hot Blog. This media platform reserves all rights to this article.

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