*Ending insecurity is not an illusion. I trust our military’s capabilities– Buratai*

_…Advocates a holistic strategy for Nigeria to tackle the security challenges in the country

*By Lawrence Bilal Audu*

Former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR has outlined a holistic strategy for ending insecurity and other violent crimes in the country through non-kinetic operations.

General Buratai made the remarks, Monday in Maiduguri while delivering a Lead Paper at the 1st International Conference on Insecurity Reconstruction Resettlement and Rehabilitation in the Lake Chad Region organised by the Department of History and Strategic Studies, University of Maiduguri.

Underscoring the connection between history and security, Buratai posited that history serves as a foundation for all disciplines, offering valuable lessons from the past and preparing for the future.

He noted that security in the Lake Chad Region and the Sahel is a critical issue that demands serious attention from Nigeria, considering the wide range of consequences of instability in Nigeria.

The interconnected nature of security challenges in this region, he said, underscores the potential for unrest in one country to spread to neighbouring nations.

“For decades, Lake Chad Basin countries have grappled with various forms of insecurity including banditry, abductions, highway robbery, and cattle rustling amongst other challenges. In addition, the most significant security challenge facing the Lake Chad Basin remains the Boko Haram crisis.

While commending the efforts of the military and other security agencies including the intelligence community for their coordination that has yielded positive results, the former Army Chief averred that, counterinsurgency operations are undoubtedly complex and challenging endeavours that require strategic planning, coordination and commitment.

The military operation Buratai noted is quite fundamental as it is a coordination of all the stakeholders. “We give kudos to all of them for their job so far. They have done quite well, but we believe it should not be prolonged beyond necessary.

Ambassador Buratai suggested that if the Police is properly positioned and motivated with a good welfare package, in addition to an increase in the number, they would be able to cope with emerging threats.

“If we follow the UN standard of 400 citizens to a policeman, you’d see a great difference, but with what we have, you discover that our capacity is still way below standard.

“We also recommend an increase in the strength of the Armed Forces because the challenges back in the 60s and 70s are not the same now as they have evolved over time. We need more aggressive action to secure our borders and defend our territorial integrity. ”

He noted that although insurgency has been contained to a very large extend, but a lot is still left undone.

“It is essential to understand that tackling insurgencies around the world is a formidable task that demands unwavering determination and a comprehensive approach. While the road ahead may be audious and difficult, it is crucial to note that success is achievable with the right level of dedication and resolve.

“Counterinsurgency operations demand a long-term perspective, a deep understanding of the local context and effective cooperation among various stakeholders with a clear vision and a collective will to address the root causes of insurgency. It is indeed possible to counter such threats and restore security and stability in volatile regions.

“Long lasting peace in post insurgency Northeast Nigeria remains a complex and challenging endeavours with varying perspectives on whether it is a mirage or attainable goal however, assessing the problems and prospects will lead us to finding lasting solutions to insecurity, peace and of course development in the region.

“The region has been plagued by years of conflict and violence resulting in widespread devastation and human suffering that has left deep scars in the hearts of the affected communities. Rebuilding trust among communities and fostering reconciliation are critical components in achieving lasting peace that can heal the wounds of the past.” He said.

Buratai added that deep-seated grievances, political instability, and ongoing security threats pose significant obstacles to sustainable peace casting a shadow of uncertainty over the region’s future.

He commended the Borno State government for the ongoing reconstruction resettlement and development that are ongoing. “We have seen deliberate efforts which have been very successful, resettlement development and so on. Rehabilitation of the former terrorists and so on.”

PSJ Nigeria Youth Movement urges Nigerian Governors to Unite, end Insecurity, Majority-Minority Divisions and Develop Education – Rural Communities

An Organization, ‘International Organization for Peace and Social Justice (PSJ)’ has called on Nigerian Governors of the Middlebelt extraction (Central Nigeria) to unite and end the security problems bedeviling the region. This was contained in a communication issues by the organization on Monday 28th May, 2024 following a Central Nigeria strategic meeting held from Wednesday 22nd, May – Friday 24th May 2024 in Makurdi, the Benue State Capital.

The PSJ Nigeria youth movement, led by Mr. Sam Odeh and supported by all regional coordinators organization, added that “The violence has led to significant disruptions in food production and overall development, necessitating immediate and concerted action.”

The organization also called for an end to the Majority-Minority mentality among the people of the region, adding that “The movement highlights the detrimental effects of the majority-minority dichotomy, which has further divided the region. This mentality has marginalized certain tribes, such as the Idomas and Egede in Benue State, preventing them from assuming leadership roles.”

The organization advocates for the abolition of what they described as “divisive mindset” and stressed the need to foster inclusive growth and representation.

The organization equally called on government at all levels to empower the Educational Sector and Develop Rural Communities which according to them are critical to the overall development of the people.

Emphasizing the importance of education and rural development, the organization added “…the PSJ Nigeria youth movement calls on regional leaders to prioritize these areas. Investing in education and infrastructure in rural communities is crucial for long-term peace and prosperity.”

In conclusion the organization appealed to all Nigerians to join hands against what they described as “…the pervasive issues of killings, injustice, inflation, and bad governance”, adding that “A collective effort from all sectors of society is essential to bring about meaningful change and build a fair and secure Nigeria.”

Highlights of the event were orientation and advocacy led by Miss Princess Akayi and Mr. Bakali Maina, who provided an overview of the organization’s mission, while also stressing the importance of fairness and security for all citizens.

State Coordinator report segment provided opportunity for state coordinators of the organization present their reports, highlighting the progress and challenges in their mobilization efforts across the region.

There was an interactive session where participants engaged in discussions on different approaches, sharing experiences and strategies for effective advocacy. The event ended with a strategic meeting which focused on addressing national issues and planning future actions concluded the day’s events.

The organization said they remain committed to the advocacy for peace, justice, and development across Nigeria. They urged all stakeholders to join them in their mission to transform Nigeria.

Governors, Speakers, Others Honour Obasa At Father’s Fidau Prayers
– Speaker Obasa our best, says Sanwo-Olu
– Lagos Speaker has set a standard for colleagues, Ogundoyin says

Governors, National and state Assembly leaders and members as well as top politicians were among the dignitaries that gathered in Agege, Lagos on Tuesday for the eighth day Fidau prayer of Alhaji Sulaiman Atanda Obasa, father of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa.

Those who attended the prayer session included Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, his Delta State counterpart, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, the Deputy Governor of Lagos, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and his Ogun counterpart, Noimot Salako-Oyedele.

Other dignitaries at the event included Speakers of Oyo, Osun and Delta states Houses of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Prince Adewale Egbedun, and Emomotimi Guwor respectively; the Lagos State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, members of the Lagos State cabinet, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), religious leaders among others.

Speaking at the event, the guests praised the exemplariness of the Speaker’s father urging the children and grandchildren of the deceased to emulate the worthy life of the late Atanda Obasa.

Governor Sanwo-Olu prayed that God would give Speaker Obasa the strength and enablement to galvanise his siblings and further unite the family.

Sanwo-Olu said: “The gathering here shows that the Speaker has built bridges across the Niger and all around the country.

“I greet all those that have come to identify with the Obasa family and I thank you very much, our party faithful.

“Mudashiru Obasa is one of our best and I thank all that have come to honour him. We are thanking God for being with him and sustaining his family to give their father a befitting burial.”

On his part, Governor Abiodun said the Speaker’s late father “lived a life of giving.

“Three or four years after this event, nobody will know what happened here. What people will remember is the legacy that Baba left behind.”

Abiodun tasked public office holders to follow the path of honour and service to humanity at all times.

Governor Oborevwori described the demise of the Speaker’s father as shocking adding that despite differences in party affiliations, he remains close to Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.

“I could remember when Obasa told me that even though I belong to another party, his boss was contesting as President,” Oborevwori said calling the Speaker a loyal political leader.

Speaker Ogundoyin, who doubles as chairman of the Conference of Speakers, appreciated Dr. Mudashiru Obasa for setting the standard upon which the association now thrives.

“All the Speakers in the country commiserate with you. God will be with you and your family, support you, comfort you and show you directions. We at the conference of Speakers will always be there and make sure that your legacies continue,” he said.

A grandchild of the deceased, Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, announced that the grandchildren will embark on water projects across locations in the State in honour of their grandfather.

Thanking the guests, Speaker Obasa recalled how his father constantly guided him and his siblings throughout his lifetime.

“My father lived his life well and he was in charge of his home,” he said.

Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.