Insecurity: Atiku Harps On Intelligence Gathering At Debate

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidtate in the 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar has said harped on the need for intelligence gathering in tackling the spate of insecurity in Nigeria.

Speaking at the debate organised by Arise TV in collaboration with the  Centre for Development and Democracy at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Atiku said intelligence gathering and sharing among the security agencies in Nigeria is missing.

Calling for the decentralisation of the police, the PDP candidate stressed that the current policing system cannot secure the country.

Represented by his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta state, Atiku highlighted the role of the private sector in the Nigerian project he hopes to lead if elected President of the country.

He said, “We need to emphasise coordinated intelligence gathering and sharing. We need more boots on the ground to address insecurity in Nigeria. We need to evolve policing in Nigeria to ensure that people who have a better understanding of their areas, know how to secure their areas. One centralized police force is unable to meet the demands that we have.

“We need more boots on the ground. We need adequate welfare to ensure that our security agencies are better-taken care of. We also need to address unemployment, otherwise, more young people will be drawn to contribute to the insecurity. Technically, it is very important but the equipment is few. The men in boots must be well trained and paid.”

The PDP presidential running mate also spoke on how his principal would unite and lead the country on the path of development with the support of the private sector.

He added, “Atiku is a successful businessman and a person who runs very successful academic institutions. We have a document, ‘My covenant with Nigeria,’ a common document on behalf of himself, myself and the PDP.

“The private sector has a role to play. To make progress, we must talk about the unity of this country. Until we are able to unite ourselves and realize that we must think and work together, we may not be able to go through the path that will lead us to new growth.”