Okonjo-Iweala Urges Politicians to Stop Weaponizing Insecurity

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala calls on Nigerian politicians to refrain from exploiting insecurity for political gain, stressing the need for unity and focused efforts to address national security challenges.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of World Trade Organisation (WTO), has called upon Nigerian politicians to refrain from politicizing insecurity for their advantage and using it against fellow officials.

On Sunday, during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Annual General Conference held at Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos, she addressed a room packed with lawyers from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

Titled “A Social Contract For Nigeria’s Future,” the ex-finance minister of Nigeria gave a keynote speech.

According to the head of WTO, there cannot be socio-economic progress in absence of security; likewise development is unattainable without ensuring security.

The politicization of security by political figures in our nation is a well-known fact and has contributed to the present state of affairs.

It is crucial to discontinue the practice of politicians who deliberately create insecurity situations in order to make their opponents appear incompetent, even if it results in loss of lives and property among innocent Nigerians.

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According to the head of WTO, technological advancements have provided sufficient means to detect and prosecute those who engage in crude oil theft within Nigeria. She asserts that those entrusted with preventing this grievous offense can no longer justify their failure to do so as ample solutions exist.

According to Okonjo-Iweala, safeguarding national assets is another crucial security concern. She pointed out that extensive organized crude oil theft has been jeopardizing the country’s economic and financial well-being for many years, as Nigerians are acutely aware of this issue.

It is imperative that all Nigerians unite in denouncing the thievery of our country’s resources, regardless of their nature and take measures to bring it to an end.

According to her, the theft of oil has hindered efforts to reinforce foreign reserves.

With the abundance of available technology to monitor theft, there can be no justification for not taking action.

The theme of the occasion was ‘Pressing Forward: A National Posture for Rebuilding Nigeria’, which showcased renowned individuals from both domestic and foreign regions.

The event was graced by the presence of John Mahama, a former President of Ghana and Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, current President of Nigeria’s Court of Appeal. On the other hand, Vice President Kashim Shettima stood in for Bola Tinubu at the occasion.

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, as well as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Tajudeen Abbas, who is the counterpart in the lower chamber were all present at the occasion.