Good Friday Reflection - Security As The Non-negotiable Foundation Of Nationhood As Opined By APGA National Chairman

Written By Nduka Anyanwu 

As we observe this solemn Good Friday, a day commemorating the crucifixion of Christ—a profound symbol of sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering commitment—APGA National Chairman, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa is compelled to reflect on the critical state of our nation’s security. 

This day invites us to ponder the essence of sacrifice and the moral duty of leadership, especially in ensuring the safety and well-being of the people.  

Security: The Primary and Non-Negotiable Obligation of Government  

It is universally recognized that security is the cornerstone of a stable, prosperous society. 

Every government’s primary responsibility is to guarantee the safety of its citizens, a principle enshrined in our constitution—Section 14(2)(b)—which mandates that the security and welfare of the people remain the core purpose of governance.

 Beyond legal mandates, security forms the social contract between the state and its people; when this contract is broken or neglected, the legitimacy of the government comes into question, and the social fabric begins to fray.  

Despite the sacred nature of this obligation, the reality on the ground often tells a different story. The recurring crises of kidnapping, banditry, communal violence, and insurgency reveal a profound governance crisis—one where the state’s role shifts from protector to bystander, or worse, a source of insecurity.  

The Rhetoric vs. Reality of Security  

Leadership frequently declares that security is “non-negotiable,” yet the measures taken often fall short of this solemn promise. The disconnect between rhetoric and reality is glaring: while governments proclaim security as a priority, the increasing incidence of violent crimes paints a disturbing picture of helplessness and mismanagement.  

Blame-shifting has become a common tactic—security is often framed as “everybody’s job,” with officials urging citizens to secure themselves, thereby abdicating their primary responsibility. Furthermore, the politicization of security agencies and resources—sometimes hijacked for partisan interests—undermines their effectiveness. 

The so-called “security vote,” which entails vast allocations of funds with little transparency or accountability, often yields no tangible improvements. Additionally, rivalry and poor coordination among security agencies hinder effective intelligence sharing and operational synergy.  

Consequences of Governmental Failure  

When the state fails to uphold its sacred duty of security, the consequences ripple across every facet of society. 

Communities, pushed to the brink, resort to arming themselves for self-defense, leading to an increase in weapons proliferation. Public trust in government institutions erodes, fostering a cycle of suspicion and lawlessness. Economically, insecurity discourages investment, halts agricultural activities, and hampers economic growth—leaving the nation vulnerable on multiple fronts.  

A Call for Action on a Day of Reflection  

Today, as we commemorate the sacrifice of Christ on Good Friday, let it serve as a reminder that true leadership requires unwavering sacrifice and commitment. The government must move beyond symbolic gestures and political rhetoric.

 It is time to implement decisive, actionable strategies to restore security—because the safety of our citizens is not negotiable.  

In the spirit of sacrifice and resilience, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa call on our leaders and security agencies to renew their commitment to protecting Nigeria’s citizens. Our nation’s progress depends on it.  

May this day inspire us all to uphold justice, resilience, and hope for a more secure and united Nigeria.