Oliver Patrick, the new President, De Norsemen Kclub International, a non-governmental organisation, has called for concerted efforts to address the country’s security challenges.
A statement made available to newsmen by the group on Monday disclosed that Patrick made the call during the group’s 17th International Conference held in Port Harcourt.
Patrick reportedly emerged the club’s president during the group’s election held at the conference.
He said the organisation was concerned about the security situation in the country and was willing to lend its voice and support to the government towards addressing the issue.
He called on the government to partner with neighbouring countries and international organisations to combat the menace.
“There is a solution. That is why we have a government.
“We appreciate the fact that the government and the security agencies are doing something.
“We expect that they do more,” the statement quoted Patrick as saying.
He also urged the government to deploy technology, including drones, to fight insecurity.
The statement also quoted Patrick to have also advocated the appointment of “responsible individuals to key security positions”.
He reportedly emphasised the need for Nigeria’s partnership with international organisations, saying that “Nigeria may not have the same capacity as America, hence the need for partnership.
“We can partner with them. They can give us intelligence, because we are at prime risk due to the security situation in the Sahel region.
“What we need now is collective effort. Partnership with our neighbours, before we think of America and it’s assistance,” he reportedly stated.
The statement also quoted the outgone president, Chidi Anokwu, to have commended government’s efforts in addressing the country’s disturbing security situation.
Anokwu said although the security situation was worrisome, he expressed the confidence that the government would soon overcome it.
He reportedly advised that government should focus on intelligence gathering and sharing, and equip the military and other security agencies with modern weapons to combat the challenges.
“The forests have become the haven for modern day criminality in Nigeria.
“Having forest guards and forest fighters should be seriously considered by the government,” he said.
He also said that the organisation was ready to partner with the government in finding lasting solutions to the country’s challenges.
Anokwu also expressed optimism that the country’s economy was gradually recovering, saying that government’s reforms, though painful, were yielding positive results.
He emphasised the importance of free, fair, and credible elections in the country.
“We are ready to partner with the government in any area of national development.
“We are a resource hub that the government can tap into for assistance,” Anokwu said.
