Also, he said further that the absence of good governance leads to widespread corruption, political instability, economic disparities, and social unrest which not only undermine human security by depriving individuals of their basic needs but also is a significant threat to national security by fostering conditions conducive for complete, complex and extremism.
The president said: “Sadly, the state of our local government system in Nigeria is a cause of concern, as its degradation, and incapacitation have continued significantly and have contributed significantly to our developmental setback and our inability to effectively address the prevailing national security threat.
“We find ourselves trapped in a paradoxical situation where the very areas most affected by security classes are rendered powerless and unable to mount any meaningful resistance or defence.
“Local governments are the frontline defenders against insecurity, as they are closest to the people and possess intimate knowledge of their communities’ needs and challenges. This is why some are advocating for community policing, as a panacea to end security challenges.”
President Tinubu said the challenges of the country’s national security have persisted over time, posing a threat to our safety and well-being as a nation, adding that the scourge of insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality, have inflicted untold suffering on people and undermine collective peace and prosperity.
According to him, It is imperative that the nation confront those challenges ahead on, if we are to move forward in our journey towards development, saying “While various measures have been proposed and implemented, it is evident that ensuring the security of our people and our nation is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of government at all levels as well as active collaborations of citizens.
“It goes without saying that the world was hit by those security skirmishes in the rural areas as our local populace and the economy continue to be unsettled by enemies of the state.
“I make bold to say that since my assumption of office, we have made significant strides and achieved remarkable results in our effort to secure our nation. So much more needs to be done particularly by governments within the local areas where those attacks are prominent.”
The president tasked Nigerians to explore the nexus of good governance, human security, and national security, adding that three elements are intricately linked, and play very important roles in shaping the stability, prosperity, and overall well-being of the nation.
He stressed that the stability and prosperity of any nation, are intricately linked to the quality of its governance, saying “Good governance is essential for ensuring that the resources of the nation are managed effectively, productively and transparently.
“When leaders act in the best interests of their citizens, uphold the rule of law, and promote accountability, it creates an environment where all individuals can thrive. This not only fosters economic development, but also enhances social cohesion, or reduces the risks of conflict within a society.
“A well governance state is better equipped to address internal challenges such as terrorism, insurgency, and communal violence. Just through policies and programs that prioritize the well-being of the people and ensure that individuals meet their basic needs, the government can mitigate the root cause of conflict and promote peace within their borders.
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“Absence of good governance leads to widespread corruption, political instability, economic disparities, and social unrest. These factors not only undermine human security by depriving individuals of their basic needs but also are a significant threat to national security by fostering conditions conducive to complete, complex, and extremism.
“On the other hand, Homeland Security is intrinsically linked to good governance, as it focuses on protecting individuals from various forms, such as poverty, disease, violence, and environmental degradation.
“Without adequate human security measures in place, people’s lives are at threat and rights violated and their dignity is compromised. It is imperative to recognize that the promotion of human security has emerged as the central focus of the new development paradigm.
“In today’s world, we understand that simply building arms and ammunition does not guarantee peace and security, and political stability through national security lies in eradicating hunger, diseases, poverty, and unemployment through sustainable development programs.
“Those factors hold the key to achieving an enduring national security. They will amount to nothing if we do not address the underlying threat of hunger disease, poverty, unemployment, political and economic exclusion, and lack of social amenities.”
President Tinubu said further that Local governments, being the closest government to the people are strategically positioned to promote human security by delivering essential services like health, education, sanitation and social welfare programs directly to communities where they are most needed.
He said: “They are important in ensuring that our communities are safe, prosperous and resilient. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to strengthen our local government system to effectively address those challenges.
“Empowering local government authority with the necessary resources and capacities to implement sustainable development initiatives, we can create a more secure and stable nation.
“It is imperative to acknowledge that security is fundamentally about human beings, not just the state. After all, it is individuals who make up the state, not the other way around.
He said his administration was committed to implementing measures aimed at bolstering the local government system, saying, “This commitment is deeply rooted in our bottom-of-development approach.
“Recognizing that sustainable development, national security, and prosperity can only be achieved when every level of government functions effectively and accountably. We must realize that the local government system is not just a matter of administrative convenience.
“It is a cornerstone of our national security architecture and by empowering local governments to fulfill their mandate efficiently and ethically, we create a solid foundation for ensuring the safety, stability, and well-being of Nigerians.”
