Prof. Yusuf Ali Talk How Security Fit Join Hand Wit Human Rights

Lagos, Nigeria – Na Prof. Yusuf Ali, wey be Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), don yarn serious matter about national security and human rights for recent Gavel International Annual Lecture wey happen for Ikeja. E call for wetin e dey call human-centered framework wey go fit change how Nigeria dey handle security before e turn to wahala.

For im keynote address wey d titled, “The Impact of National Security Policies on Vulnerable Populations: A Human Rights Perspective,” Ali no hold back. E bin talk say while security na important matter, the way dem dey pursue am fit dey violate rights of vulnerable groups like women, children, and people wey get disabilities. As e talk am, “To really sabi wetin security mean, e no suppose dey about just di police and di army, but wetin we fit do to make every citizen feel safe and respected.” (I mean, who wants to be safe today and insecure tomorrow?)

Ali point out some laws wey dey exist like the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and di Cybercrimes Act, say even though dem dey necessary, di way dem dey involve dem don begin affect people freedom, their movement, and even wetin dem fit talk. E tell di government say make dem add human rights principles to everything wey concern security, so say dem fit gree meet up with civil society groups too, to sha ensure any action wey dem wan take no go cause more harm.

“If person feel say government dey protect im life and freedom, dem go dey trust di system.” Dis na wetin Ali find important pass. Na true say national security suppose protect people no be limit dem. So in his words, “We fit make democracy stronger if we dey use this human-centered security framework.” (I mean, if na dem dey tell you to keep quiet and still dey protect you, wetin be the point?)

Dem no comot hand for di matter when Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, also belleful say balance na key for national security. E dey stress say true security no be just about di guns but about how citizens go fit dey protected and valued. Him praise di current Lagos administration under Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, say dem dey implement people-focused initiatives wey dey boost security.

As di event dey go on, di publisher of Gavel International, Mr. Mustapha Ogunsakin, don also dey push for di political class to come together and face di serious security issues wey dey face di nation. E talk about how security na di foundation for peace and how di leadership need to be more accountable to confront these challenges. (Na for di sake of una padi, I hope say di politicians dey listen).

Area don pack with many minds for di lecture, including notable leaders and social figures like Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, and many more, all dem com come join hands to make noise about how dem fit change di narrative and bring better framework for Nigeria.