The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC Abia State Command has reiterated its readiness to ensure that the critical infrastructure in the state are protected so at to save the economy of the state and the country.
The State Commandant Mr. Vincent Ogu (JP) stated this in Umuahia on Monday at an event to mark the 2020 World Civil Defence Day.
According to Mr. Ogu, no nation grows where the critical infrastructure constantly comes under attack.
He further expressed regret that the #EndSARS protest in 2020 which was later hijacked by hoodlums caused a serious loss to the state and the country at large in terms of death of security personnel, damage in infrastructure, and attack on the economy.
He said Nigeria as a member of International Civil Defence Organization(ICDO) will continue to utilise its paramilitary status to advance civil security.
The Commandant said, “Nigeria membership of the organization became effect on 7th October 2004. This was made possible following the NSCDC Act of 2003 which gave the Corps a full-fledged paramilitary status. Recall that on 28th June, 2003 an act to give statutory backing to NSCDC passed by the National Assembly was signed into law by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR-former President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Force, Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
According to the state commandant, the ICDO’S theme in 2021 is “STRONG CIVIL PROTECTION TO PRESERVE THE NATIONAL ECONOMY” is apt and could not have come anytime than now more auspicious time than now when many countries of the world are facing civil unrest. Unemployment issues, humanitarian crisis, civil-military/para-military mistrust/suspicion, and economic recessions occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic which has redefined world socio-economic and political realities.
Mr Ogu stressed that “no nation thrives under crisis just like no economy survives under constant attacks on the critical National Assets and infrastructure upon which such economy sits. The ugly experience from the hijacked #Endsars protest and the ruins it left behind remains a constant reminder of the importance of stronger partnership with the civil populace on the other.
He further opined that Security Agencies in the nation de-emphasis inter-agency supremacy conflict and collaboratively work to earn the trust and confidence of the civil populace who will in turn support through providing useful and timely intelligence information. According to him, the fight against criminalities will record a great boost when proper attention has been given to the issues raised above.
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He added that the gathering was to brainstorm on the way forward in overcoming the security challenges bedeviling the country through advocacy, strategic intelligence information sharing, effective synergy, and collaboration and partnership with the civil populace.
He further stated that in winning the war against all forms of criminalities in our country, security operatives must work to earn the trust and confidence of the general public.
