ABUJA – The National Conference has adopted the recommendation of its Committee on National Security, urging the Federal Government to establish special fund to address the challenges of insecurity in North-East.
The conference, in taking the decision, noted the destruction of lives, property and institutions arising from the current security challenge caused by Boko Haram.
It stated that the fund would be used for reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation in the zone.
The conference also adopted the committee’s recommendation that the Federal Government compensates Odi and Zaki Biam which were invaded by the military some years ago.
In adopting the recommendation, the conference added that government should compensate all communities where internal security operations had led to destruction.
The conference adopted the recommendation that there should be compulsory life insurance for all armed security personnel by the government in view of the current security challenges being faced by the nation.
The conference also adopted the recommendation that government should ensure gender mainstreaming with respect to recruitment into the armed forces and the various security agencies.
It, however, rejected a proposed amendment that women should be given 50 per cent participation in all the security forces.
The conference, however, adopted the federal character structure that the armed forces should be maintained in the interest of the stability of the country.
Other recommendations adopted by the conference includes the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff by the President to be inserted in the constitution.
That the Office of the National Security Adviser should establish a Department of Homeland Security.
Following information that most security personnel bought their uniforms in the open market, conference urged the Federal Government to supply the uniforms of armed forces, police and other security agencies.
To minimise the frequent cases of fake military uniforms and impersonation of security personnel, conference approved a ban on unauthorised importation of all types of camouflages and uniforms of other security agencies.
Conference also adopted a recommendation that government should take immediate practical steps to sensitise the public to the need for security consciousness.
The report of the committee, presented to conference on Wednesday, is the 15th out of 20 committees so far adopted by the conference.
The report was adopted following a motion by Chief Adebola Ogunshola, which was seconded by Mr Atedo Peterside. (NAN
