At the recently concluded House of Justice Annual Summit and Golden Ball Banquet in Kaduna, retired military generals and legal experts emphasized the need for the Nigerian government to target the financiers behind terrorism to effectively combat insecurity in the country. They also highlighted the importance of protecting civilian informants who assist security agencies, stating that this is crucial for dismantling terrorist networks in Nigeria.
Prominent figures attending the summit included General Martin Luther Agwai (Rtd), Professor Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, Professor Chris Kwaja, Honorable Sarah Reng Ochekpe, Group Captain Sadeeq Garba Shehu (Rtd), Dr. Mike Omeri, Mr. Chima Christian, Barrister Audu Adamu Maikori, Barrister Jibrin Samuel Okutepa (SAN), and Commissioner of Police for Kaduna State, Muhammad Rabiu, represented by ACP Badamasi Musa.
A communiqué issued after the summit stated that while intelligence reports have identified several individuals funding terrorism, there has been insufficient action to sever these financial links. The communiqué, signed by Barrister Gloria Ballason, CEO of House of Justice, and Luka Ashafa Odita, a criminology and security lecturer at Kaduna State University, also called for greater cooperation between Nigeria and its neighboring countries in tackling insecurity.
The communiqué further addressed the need for transparency and merit in the recruitment of security personnel and pointed out that the lack of justice for victims has led some individuals to join armed groups. It also criticized the government’s rehabilitation and reintegration programs for offenders, noting that victims in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps are often neglected and left vulnerable to further attacks by terrorists.
On electoral issues, the communiqué expressed concern over Nigeria’s failure to hold electoral offenders accountable, arguing that the lack of punishment for electoral crimes undermines the country’s electoral system and sets a poor example for other African nations. It also highlighted problems within the judiciary, calling for reforms to improve justice delivery, accountability, and court efficiency. The communiqué criticized the perception of a transactional judicial system, especially in electoral cases, and called for the National Judicial Council to ensure judicial appointments are based on merit, free from political interference or family ties.
Lastly, the communiqué tasked the National Orientation Agency and the Ministry of Information with promoting a positive national outlook, encouraging them to protect children from negative narratives and help shape a more constructive perspective on the country’s future.