We
welcome the move by President Adama Barrow to rebrand and reform the NIA, which
was allegedly accused of mainly focusing on arbitrary arrest, long detention,
torturing and even general abuse of human rights under Yahya Jammeh’s rule.
Maintaining
the NIA under a new name, as disclosed by the President, is good, but the
agency’s focus and responsibility should be redirected and redefined.
Under
the new government, the focus should be on maintaining and safeguarding
national security and sovereignty.
This
is essential for the safety, progress and development of any nation, as similar
security apparatuses are in almost every country around the world, including
countries like the US, the UK, Russia, France and other big nations.
The
current NIA should, therefore, be well-restructured to suit the well-being of
the nation, and not to be used for witch-hunting political opponents, the
press, journalists, religious leaders and private individuals, as obtained
under the Jammeh regime.
As
a matter of fact, those who are currently in the NIA should be properly
screened and the unit should be rebranded to be more professional, in the
interest of the nation.
Once
again, we would like to commend President Barrow for having the foresight to
reform the NIA for the good of the nation.
Those
who will remain or appointed to serve in the institution should be motivated
and accorded all the necessary support and facilities to execute their job
professionally.
Furthermore,
the Barrow government should also be security conscious on various fronts. For
instance, people entering the country should be properly screened, as a
national protection measure.
The
Police, in particular, should also endeavour to continue their usual night
patrols to keep the peace and security of the nation, as well as ensure the
safety of individuals and properties in the communities.
A
word for the wise is quite sufficient.
“No one can build his security upon the nobleness of another person.”
Willa Cather, Alexander’s Bridge
