Former head of state Ernest Shonekan on Sunday in Abuja called for dialogue with leaders of those responsible for the spate of insecurity in parts of the country.
He made the call at the graduation ceremony for participants in Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 5, of the Institute for Security Studies.
Shonekan, who was the chairman of the occasion, said the dialogue was necessary to ascertain why they engaged in the act and to find ways to end the crisis.
“They are Nigerians, and to that extent, we must find ways and means of engaging them in robust dialogue to make them see reason and eschew violence.
“Such dialogue will also enable us to know the reasons behind their actions and how to end the violence.
“Perhaps there are other key things they would like Government to do in order to stamp out insecurity from the country,” he said.
Shonekan noted that there could not be sustainable socio-economic and political transformation in a country where there is no security of life and property.
He said not only would such country have political instability but investors would also shun it.
Shonekan said the Boko Haram disturbance in parts of the North, oil theft by militants in the Niger Delta and the crisis in Plateau state were indications of the level of insecurity in the country.
He called for concerted efforts to address the crises and restore security across the nation.
Shonekan also identified the breakdown of our age-long cultural values of honesty, hospitality, respect for elders and constituted authorities, ignorance and unemployment as some of the factors responsible for the current insecurity.
“We must therefore retrace our steps by returning to those age-long much cherished cultural values and also include them in the curricula of schools so that our children can learn the proper ways of behaviour.
“We must improve the economy and ensure employment opportunities for our youths to stem the tide of violent organised crimes that give rise to insecurity in the country,” he said.
Earlier, Mr Ekpeyong Ita, the Director General of the State Security Service (SSS), said that the activities of terrorists had affected the image and development of the country.
Ita, however, gave the assurance that the security agencies were working hard to contain them and neutralise their activities.
“We are determined to create enabling environment through the provision of adequate security for the sustenance of democracy and the strengthening of democratic institution for sustainable development,” he said.
However, the 48 participants, drawn from 19 organisations, including the SSS, Police, Military, para-military bodies, and NGOs participated in the nine month course.?