2023 Elections: Parliamentary Network for Defence and Security Communities commend Nigeria

Network of African Parliamentarians for Defence and Security Communities hail quick announcement of the result from the Nigerian Presidential and National Assembly despite its population as a good example to other countries

Members of the Network of African Parliamentarians for Defence and Security Communities have commended Nigeria for holding a successful Presidential and National Assembly elections.

The Members who are attending the 7th Extra-Ordinary Session of the network in Abuja said that Nigeria had shown a good example to other African countries.

Chairman of the group, Jimmy Smith, from the Republic of Liberia, said that with the population of Nigeria and the quick announcement of the result, Nigeria had shown a good example to other countries.

“All I can say is that there should be peace and tranquility, so that the people of Nigeria can enjoy the workings of democracy.” He said that the network feeds one another with information on how to manage trans-border security challenges while also noting that the network has worked for the safety of African citizens.

As a network we have trans border information, and this is what transmit  to our various security aperatus. As a network, we believe that the expectation we promised our people will be able to collect intelligence and information met,” he said, adding that moving forward, the network would work towards sustaining security in Africa.

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Also speaking, Hon. Richard Tongi, from Kenya, said that he was impressed with the conduct of the Nigerian election and that the African continent is on the right track to democracy.

Honorary President of the Network, Hon Yeo Fozie, said that the network would continue to share its experiences for the good of the continent.

Also speaking, the outgoing President-General of the Network of African Parliamentarians for Defence and Security Communities, Rep. Sha’aban Sharadda, who is Chairman of the Nigerian House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence, said that the objective of the extraordinary session was to carry out the investiture of the newly elected President-General.

The new President-General, Berting Mobenzi, is Chairman of the Defence Committee in the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Sharadda commended the Buhari administration for its remarkable performance in facilitating efficient national security sector reform that attracts the attention of sister African countries.

“It is significant to note that the Buhari administration has not only prioritised security on its governance agenda but has committed more time, logistics and resources to address the national security challenges than any regime in the history of democratic governance in Nigeria.

At this point, it is important to mention the professionalisation of the military/intelligence community, enhanced provision of capacity development services, improved international collaboration within ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) and consistent increase in annual budgetary allocations for the security sector over the years,” he said.

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He added that the fantastic development had strengthened the national security agencies to address disturbing security threats from Boko Haram insurgents and other emerging crimes to ensure stability in governance and peaceful coexistence in the country.

“It has also propelled the image of Nigeria for setting exemplary leadership in fighting humanitarian crimes and ensuring a sustainable democratic governance within the ECOWAS sub-region and the continent,”. he noted.

 He commended all members of the Network for collective solidarity in making his tenure a success.