Mr Adebayo Ayeni, the Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Oyo state, has described democracy as the `best’ form of government capable of tackling security challenges.
Ayeni made the statement on Thursday in Ibadan at the closing ceremony of a three-day training workshop organised by the command for private guard companies in the state.
Mr Adebayo AyeniHe noted that in a democratic government, the people were free to express themselves, adding that this could aid the gathering of information needed to tackle insecurity.
He said: “Democracy is a norm among nations of the world and Nigeria should not be an exception.
“With democracy, people are free to talk and this in a way, aids the gathering of information needed to develop the nation.
“The present security challenge notwithstanding, I believe that the Nigerian government has done well as a democratic government and Nigerians should be patient with the government.
“Although it may take some time to resolve the present insecurity in the nation, I can assure you that government is not sleeping, just as we are not.”
The commandant urged members of the public to be involved in issues of security, stressing that such issues should not be left for the government or security agencies alone.
“The days are gone when you think the provision of security lies solely in the hands of the government. Now, we have come to see that it is the duty for everyone,” he said.
Ayeni charged the 140 participants at the workshop “to be bold and patriotic in putting their training to use”.
“As private guards, you are the main grassroots security officers and you should, therefore, be very conscious of your environment; you must be very vigilant,” he said.