Traditional Institution as Agent of National Security in a Democratic Setting

Abstract

Security is a major prerequisite for any nation seeking to achieve meaningful development. Governments all over the world strive to ensure that their citizens are secure enough to pursue their lawful businesses without let or hindrance, and that foreign investors feel sufficiently convinced about the safety of their investments in their host countries. For over three decades, Nigeria has been experiencing instability in governance. Democratic rule has been truncated several times by military leaders and, as a result, the economy has been going down a precipice with its attendant consequences. Therefore the standard of living of the populace has been worsening by the day, unemployment is rampant, poverty grinding, social amenities and services poorly provided and morality is at its lowest ebb, while societal values have been bastardised. These conditions have posed serious threats to the security of the nation as they have resulted in criminal activities, labour agitation, ethnic/regional demands, religious intolerance, communal clashes, among many other factors threatening the stability of the nation. Security agencies have been stretched to the limit in their efforts to grapple with these threats without significant success. It is in this light that this study attempts to examine the entire situation with particular attention given to the role traditional institutions had played, are playing and can play in achieving formidable security in their communities because they have intimate knowledge of their areas. During the pre-colonial era, traditional rulers were in the forefront on matters of security, but with the advent of nationalists, and democratic governance, they lost this role to the politicians and later to the military, who did not succeed in tackling the problem of insecurity in the country. The threats to security have, therefore, remained unabated, and are even increasing at an alarming rate. Hence, the need to harness all resources to beef up security in Nigeria. Accordingly, the study advocates the full involvement of traditional rulers in ensuring national security. Their grassroots reach and the respect they command among their people, should be taken advantage of by Government. The civil society, which has hitherto remained unconcerned about matters of security, needs to be effectively mobilised to play its part alongside national security agencies. Issues of national security should be of concern to every citizen. To this end, security awarenessm should be taught from the primary school so as to create security consciousness in our society right from childhood. Security is a collective responsibility of all Nigerians.