U.S. supports justice, security dialogue in Plateau
U.S. supports justice, security dialogue in Plateau
NAN-H-56
Support
By Isaac Aregbesola
Abuja, March 8, 2017 (NAN) The U.S. Government is partnering with Plateau Government to promote peace and security in the state through a Justice and Security Dialogue project.
A statement by the Embassy said that U.S. Ambassador, Stuart Symington, and Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau attended one of the dialogue events in Jos.
It stated that the participants included government officials, the military and police as well as religious leaders, traditional rulers and representatives of civil society.
The statement quoted Symington as commending the attendees for holding dialogues to promote a collaborative and inclusive approach to conflict resolution.
“This is a moment when all of you come together to talk about a profound bond – a bond between citizens and their nation, a bond between citizens and their future, a bond between citizens and their own security,” he said.
“We are lucky to have here in this room both citizens and the police, soldiers, and security forces who serve them.
“I think this tie between a people and a nation, a state, and a city, and you who are sworn to serve and protect them, is the most fundamental tie in any democracy,” he remarked.
According to him, peace is a path that has to be travelled constantly and maintained constantly, and used constantly for the good of the people.
He expressed satisfaction that the people were not just dedicated to talking about reconciliation, but to see people who are travelling the road to make it possible, to make it last.
The envoy said that the Justice and Security Dialogue aimed to improve the relationship between security providers and citizens.
“It will also help civilian security forces become more effective, accountable and responsive to community needs.
“The project is funded through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, and implemented by the United States Institute of Peace and the West Africa Network for Peace building,” he said.
He said the U.S. Embassy’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Nigeria programme, provided equipment, training, mentoring and capacity building support to various Nigerian law enforcement and justice sector institutions. (NAN)
IAA/OMO/MST
Edited by Martins Odeh/Muhammad Suleiman Tola