New dawn for Southeast region, as stakeholders dialogue paves way for peace, security

Stanley Ihedigbo

Stakeholders in Southeast Nigeria have come together to forge a new path for peace and security in the region.

The development is a significant step towards addressing the lingering security challenges in the area.

The stakeholders gathered at the 3rd Multi-Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Civil-Military/Police Relations, an initiative aimed at fostering peace and building resilient communities in the face of growing insecurity.

The event, organized by the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy, and Development (FENRAD) in collaboration with other partners, took place in Umuahia, Abia State.

Themed “Fostering Peace and Building Resilient Communities: Strengthening Civil-Military/Police Relations in the Southeast,” the dialogue attracted critical stakeholders, including security personnel, civil society organizations (CSOs), traditional leaders, clergy, academics, and the media.

In his welcome address, Executive Director of FENRAD, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, emphasized the importance of dialogue in addressing the region’s security challenges.

“The Southeast, like other regions in Nigeria, is grappling with security issues ranging from separatist agitations to violent crimes. This dialogue provides a platform for all stakeholders to engage constructively in finding lasting solutions,” Nwafor stated.

He acknowledged the support of partners such as the Action Group on Free Civic Space, Spaces for Change (S4C), West African Network on Peacebuilding (WANEP), SieDIhub and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Abia State Governor on Homeland Security, among others.

A major highlight of the event was a keynote address titled “Enhancing Stable Civil-Military Relations for Peacebuilding and Community Resilience in Nigeria’s Southeast Region” by Prof. Freedom Onuoha, represented by Dr.Isaac Ndubuisi

Prof. Onuoha, explored the history, challenges, and strategies for improving civil-military relations (CMR) in the Southeast.

He emphasized that stable CMR is essential for fostering peace and community resilience in the region.

“The Southeast has witnessed strained relations between civilians and security forces due to deep-seated mistrust, militarization, and incidents of human rights abuses. Addressing these issues requires robust dialogue, mutual respect, and actionable strategies,” he explained.

He outlined key challenges such as, legacy of mistrust from the Civil War era, reports of extrajudicial killings and exploitation at roadblocks and weak accountability mechanisms within security agencies.

To improve relations, he proposed strategies including human rights training for security personnel, institutionalizing dialogue platforms, and engaging the military in community-focused development projects.

The dialogue also featured a vibrant panel discussion with contributions from security officials, academics, traditional leaders, civil society, and the clergy.

The panelists which includes, Chief of Staff Army Commander 14th Brigade Nigerian Army Ebem Ohafia in Ohafia LGA, Lt. Col. John Timbuak; Abia State Police Command , Umuahia Abia State, DCP Samuel O. Onoja; Political and Current Affairs Analyst, Rev. Father Ikenna Nwagbara; Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Abia State University (ABSU), Prof. Samuel Ngọzi Agu; Broadcast Journalist, Buzz FM Aba, Mr. Ukpabi Ukpabi and Executive Director, Centre for Economic Research & policy planning, Dr. Eugene Nwaoha, as well as a member of National Human Rights commission, Umuahia Abia State, Goodness Eze.

Discussions centered on the need to rebuild trust between security forces and the public, tackle human rights violations, and establish community-based early warning systems to detect and address security threats proactively.

Discussions also emphasized the need for attitudinal change by both security personnel and the civil populace for a better and secured nation.

Participants resolved to strengthen collaboration between security agencies and communities, advocated for better service conditions and proper remuneration for security personnel to help mitigate tendencies for extortion, bribery and other vices, also advocated for investments in technology to enhance policing and security practices for efficiency.

The need for value reorientation and improved communication channels between security agencies and the civil populace were emphasized.

The release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was also stressed. Stakeholders noted that his continuous detention has been a factor in the insecurity of the region.

The 3rd Stakeholders Dialogue ended on a high note, with participants emphasizing the importance of sustained engagement and practical actions to address the region’s security challenges.