Good governance key to tackling insecurity – Lawyer tells FG, states

A legal practitioner and Director-General of Good Governance Advocacy International, GGAI, Leonard Anyogo, has urged the Federal and state governments to embrace good governance, people-centred policies and the provision of social amenities as the most effective strategy for addressing insecurity across the country.

Anyogo made the call while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the recent Security Summit jointly organised by the Cross River State Government and the Department of State Services, DSS, in Calabar.

He recommended what he described as the “Cross River model” of security management to the Federal Government and other states, saying the state’s experience demonstrates that proactive governance and community participation can significantly improve security.

According to him, Cross River was once confronted by serious security challenges, but the situation has improved through proactive security strategies, collaboration among security agencies and greater involvement of local communities.

“The panacea to insecurity is good governance. Governance should be proactive. When the rights and privileges of citizens are protected, security will naturally be ensured,” he said.

The lawyer described the security summit as a timely initiative capable of strengthening efforts to combat crime and insecurity.

He stressed the need for security agencies to work in synergy rather than compete with one another, noting that effective collaboration among law enforcement agencies is critical to achieving sustainable peace.

Anyogo also emphasised that public trust remains indispensable in the fight against insecurity, urging governments to carry communities along in policy implementation so that citizens would willingly support security agencies with useful information.

He maintained that governments at all levels should prioritise policies that directly improve the welfare of the people, insisting that inclusive governance remains the foundation for lasting peace, stability and national development.