National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Ajibola Basiru, has charged the Executive arm of government to champion constitutional obedience, the Legislature to enhance its oversight functions, the Judiciary to guard its independence, and citizens to conscientiously demand transparency and accountability.
Dr. Basiru gave the charge while presenting his paper at the 4th Distinguished Personality Lecture of the College of Law, Osun State University.
Speaking on the theme, “Democratic Governance, National Security and the Rule of Law,” the well-read legal practitioner and politician noted that democracy, security, and the rule of law are interwoven and mutually reinforcing, stressing that the effective interplay of the three is crucial for a stable state.
Dr. Basiru, who was the Spokesperson and Chairman of the 9th Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, explained that democratic governance provides the mechanism for legitimate authority; the rule of law ensures that the exercise of authority is just and accountable; while national security is the necessary condition for the political community to thrive.
He further added that civil society, the media, and citizens all have roles to play in security accountability.
“Civil Society Organizations should act as essential watchdogs. The media should be free and independent to ensure that the public is accurately informed and to prevent the spread of propaganda and fake news that can inflame ethno-religious suspicion and worsen security situations.
Citizens, on their part, should be partners in intelligence sharing and community vigilance, which I see as effective in complementing the military approach.”
The law teacher and author also used the occasion to underscore his support for state police. According to him, a single, federally controlled police force cannot effectively respond to acts of insecurity that require swift, localized responses.
Senator Basiru expatiated that state police would complement the federal police and improve community engagement, local intelligence gathering, and operational speed in protecting the nation from hydra-headed security threats.
The former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Osun State suggested that Nigeria must move beyond merely diagnosing problems to enacting actionable strategies already enumerated.
Dr. Basiru submitted that fortifying the rule of law, strengthening public trust, and reinforcing democratic norms will enable Nigeria to withstand present threats and position itself as a model of democratic resilience on the African continent.
Several distinguished figures attended the lecture, including the Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa; members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC); the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Odunayo Clement Adebooye; the Provost of the College of Law, Prof. Mojeed Olujinmi Alabi; and the Olubosin of Ifetedo, Oba Akinola Akinrera Oyebode, among others.