CDS seeks stronger alliances to tackle insecurity

Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has urged for a strengthening of trust and alliances among various societal groups to effectively tackle the country's pervasive insecurity. Speaking at the Royal College of Defence Studies Alumni Association Nigeria Chapter Summit in Abuja, Oluyede highlighted the necessity of consensus-building among government bodies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.

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The essence and timeliness of such an intuitively conceived, meticulously nurtured and diligently expressed idea is indeed very apt, especially considering that its central and pivotal role in international building cannot be overemphasised.

Represented by Rear Admiral Abolade Ogunleye, the Defence Chief stressed that fostering these connections is fundamental to promoting national unity and finding solutions to the multifaceted security challenges plaguing Nigeria. He noted that such collaboration is "a sine qua non for social cohesion and national integration," emphasizing the importance of peaceful coexistence across diverse ethnic and religious lines.

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Accordingly, allied trust and consensus among those in government, that is, the executive, legislature and judiciary, as well as the military, academia, traditional and religious institutions, the political class, civil society and youth groups, among others, are a sine qua non for social cohesion and national integration.

Oluyede called on governments at all levels to actively create platforms for dialogue and collaboration with civil society and public-spirited individuals. He expressed confidence that the summit's discussions would identify the root causes of Nigeria's security problems and chart a path forward, believing that collective action can surmount these challenges.

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Governments in consensus with civil society groups, including public-spirited individuals and groups, should create platforms and an enabling environment for allies to come together to build trust in each other and agree on a plan to find a solution to end insecurity in Nigeria.