The Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ahmed Audi, has called on security personnel to respect the country’s rule of law while discharging their duties.
Audi made the call at a two-day seminar held on Monday, in Abuja on promoting inter-agency collaboration for heads of security agencies supported by the Federal Republic of Germany Foreign Affairs.
Audi noted that one of Africa’s problems was the poor observation of the rule of law by citizens including security personnel which has hindered the growth of democracy.
He therefore tasked security personnel to adhere to the rule of law as it is observed in developed countries.
“The discussion on the rule of law is very apt and germane as far as this workshop is concerned.
“We are all aware that the rule of law is one of the basics of democracy. In developed countries, we have seen how the rule of law is observed perhaps that is why fewer conflicts occur there.
“We have also seen that one of the problems that African countries have is the observance of the rule of law.
“This rule of law is also abused by security officials. They try to break the rules. But if we want to thrive and put African nations on the right path, we must observe the rule of law”, the CG noted.
Addressing the participants, the Deputy Resident Representative, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (a German Foundation) Lukas Laible, said “You are all part of an agency and are bound to the mandate of your respective agency. This is necessary in a system of rule of law. But, it is up to every person wearing a security outfit, how to fill that mandate with life and action.
“You can either be a front-runner, someone who is willing to dedicate his service to the fulfilment of the mandate or you could be someone who is just doing the necessary.
“You here are all front-runners, you are heads of agencies, you are the ones leading your fellow colleges. You are all leading by example, by special dedication.”