In line with President Goodluck Jonathan's determination to wage a successful war against Boko Haram insurgents, a 28-member committee was yesterday inaugurated to review the National Defence policy. Minister of Defence Lieutenant-General Aliyu Gusau Mohammed (retd) noted the current national defence policy was promulgated in 2006 and since then the nation had undergone a lot of transformation in terms of development, as well as security challenges.
According to Gusau, there were new developments and challenges in the global environment that had direct impact on the country’s national defence and security, hence the need for the review of the policy. Citing sections 14 (2) (b) and 14 (2) (c) of the 1999 Constitution, the minister said security embodied defence of sovereignty, but the constitution is silent on how the people will participate in the defence of the country. Henoted the mention of the armed forces of the federation in section 217 (1 & 2) under the executive, does not capture the concept of total defence which most countries have adopted.
Headed by Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Nda Umaru (retd), the committee is to submit 12 copies of its draft report on the review of national defence policy to the convening authority not later than 3 months from date of inauguration. Umaru assured President Jonathan and all Nigerians the committee members will carry out this onerous assignment with seriousness, dedication and high sense of responsibility and patriotism.
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