Jonathan Restates Commitment To Tackle Terrorism
…Gives marching orders to security agencies
SAN FRANCISCO, July 23, (THEWILL) – President Goodluck Jonathan has reiterated the determination of his administration to tackle the security challenges in the country even as he charged the security agencies to redouble their efforts in the war against terror.
Speaking while inaugurating a Foreign Language Institute at the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) in Abuja on Tuesday, President Jonathan described the agency as a unique organisation that has provided salient services that have continued to sustain the peace and unity in different States and communities of the country.
President Jonathan, who also inaugurated the study of some foreign languages in the institution, saying it has become necessary for Nigerians to learn other languages, especially French due to the proximity of French speaking countries to the country, assured that the Federal Government was committed to developing the intelligence sector.
“Language proficiency is an essential tool of your vocation. It open doors and build bridges across cultures and facilitate your work. I am therefore delighted with the vision that has led to the establishment of functional foreign language institute for the agency. Please ensure that you make the best use of this facility.
President Jonathan (M) Cutting The Tape To Inaugurate The Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Foreign Language Institute During His Visit To The National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Abuja. With Him Are: DG Of NIA, Amb Ezekiel Oladeji (2nd L) Cos, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe (L) & Nsa, Col Sambo Dasuki (Rtd)
“I always believe that for you to be fully educated, you are supposed to be bi-lingual. Language is a tool that most people don’t understand. Communication is key for intelligence services. NIA must emphasise that before you get to some level you must be bi-lingual,” the President explained.
Jonathan, who also described the job of the intelligence operatives as ‘delicate and vital ’, said as “the eyes and ears of our nation, you must always maintain your total vigilance and agility,” adding “You must constantly improve the technical efficiency and overall quality of all operatives.”
According to the president, “It has been said and I fully concur with the aphorism that in peace as in war time, intelligence is the first line of defence. This is why it is imperative to build and strengthen the institutional capacity of the state to protect our country.”
He assured that the Federal Government will “continue to do all in its power to sustain and improve upon our national security capability to enable confront the challenges of the 21st century.”
Describing intelligence work as “ a sacred call to duty for the good of the nation,” the president said: “It is a vocation that demands exceptional sacrifices. I will like you to remain unrelenting in dedication and patriotism.
The need for a corps of well trained and professional intelligence and security officers is all the more important in the context of the security challenges the nation is presently facing .“
“These challenges,” according to Jonathan, “very often emanates from the ever-changing and unpredictable global environment characterised by trans-national organised crime and terrorist acts.”
He stressed that in such a situation “only dedicated and truly professional intelligence officers can rise up to the threats that the country must deal with on daily basis.”
He stated further: “The NIA is unique national institution mandated to safeguard our national security and the wellbeing of our people. I am pleased to note that in its 27 years of existence, the agency has remain faithful to its core mission. It has acquitted itself well and advanced with the demands of time.”
The president congratulated the Director General, Ambassador Ezekiel Oladeji, for embarking on a reform agenda that is aimed at improving on the agency’s service delivery. “There is physical improvement in infrastructure. And that is what it should in anywhere we are working. I welcome this strong emphasis on capacity building and adherence to the maintenance culture that we are always advocating,” he appraised.
He also acknowledged the courage of the current and past officers and staff of the NIA, who, according to him, “risk it all to uphold the ideals of this important national institution.”
According to Jonathan, “Government is not unaware of the risk to your persons, the enormous sacrifices and strenuous demands exerted on you in the course of your duties overseas, at times in hostile and quiet challenging environments.
“I therefore commend and urge you all to remain steadfast and faithful in your service to our motherland. No matter how difficult the challenges may be you should remain committed and patriotic to the fatherland.”
In his remarks, the Director General of the agency, Ambassador Oladeji, pledged the commitment of the management and members of staff of the agency to ensuring that it meets the set goals and objectives.
Established in June 1986 by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, through Decree 19, which dissolved the National Security Organisation (NSO) and restructured Nigeria's security services into three separate entities under the Office of the Co-ordinator of National Security, the NIA is mandated to gather foreign intelligence and also to undertake counter-intelligence operations.