Jonathan Reassures Nigerians On Rapid Enhancement Of National Security
SAN FRANCISCO, November 15, (THEWILL) - President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan reassured Nigerians Tuesday in Abuja that his Administration has initiated “a very rapid and robust process” to enhance the capacity of the country’s security forces to protect lives and property.
Speaking at the inauguration of the new Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, President Jonathan declared that he had confidence in the ability of the country’s security agencies to overcome present challenges.
“We are resolute in our charge to the security agencies to go after all promoters of terror and other anti-social activities in the country and bring them to book.
“Our review of processes and institutional reforms are, indeed designed to strengthen and realign all the instruments and agencies of crime prevention, interdiction and punishment. My Administration will not rest on its oars until the spirit of the law runs across the land. We promise to deliver swift and certain justice for criminal elements.
“While we intend to always provide a window of opportunity for those who have seen the folly of their anti-social behaviour to retrace their steps, I wish to renew my call to those that choose to live on the fringes of the law: Retrace your steps and we will work with you to facilitate your reintegration and rehabilitation. If you undermine the state, be prepared to face the full wrath of the law,” the President said at the occasion.
The President said that his Administration was fully committed to frontally confronting the evil of terrorism which is totally unacceptable to all religions, Nigerian culture and its peoples’ sense of humanity.
He reassured those who have lost relatives to recent acts of terrorism that the perpetrators will be brought to book.
“We share in your pain. We stand united, as we confront the inhumane actions of the misguided few who seem determined to violate the core values of tolerance and peaceful co-existence. We shall fight and defeat that evil,” the President said.
He also expressed the view that Nigeria needs to place greater emphasis on its penal system being more correctional.
“We need to create opportunities for convicted persons, either after completing their terms or before they do so, considering the circumstances, to be reintegrated back into society, and rehabilitated.
“Perhaps we can achieve a lot more, by making the justice system a bit more redemptive. In doing this, we will also need to pay particular attention to human rights, especially where there is ample evidence of abuse,” the President told members of the committee.
A member of the committee, Mr. Tunji Abayomi who responded to the President’s remarks, thanked him for the opportunity being given to them to serve the nation.
Mr. Abayomi assured the President that members of the committee will discharge the very serious responsibility entrusted to them with due diligence and dedication.