- Says I Won’t Lose Fight Against Insecurity
- Under My Watch, Security Issues Would Remain A Priority, Not Limited To Battlefield Concerns
As Nigeria continues to battle insecurity in different parts of the country, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at two different occasions in Borno State has disclosed that he remains unshaken in his resolve to keep all Nigerians safe while noting that he would not be satisfied until insecurity ends in the country.
The Matrix reports that Nigeria has been plagued by rising insecurity in the South-Eastern part of the country following the activities of the unknown gunmen and insurgency in the northern part of the country among other insecurity challenges.
To underscore the depth of this insecurity and its devastating effect, over 100 people were killed a few days ago when the Nigerian Army while carrying out a bombing exercise against perceived Boko Haram insurgents in Tudun Biri community in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Reacting to this development at the 2023 Annual Chief Of Army Staff Conference in Borno and during a visit to the Shehu of Borno, President Tinubu affirmed that the war against insecurity is one he is not prepared to lose.
The President’s resolve was contained in a statement titled Borno Visit: President Tinubu Grieves Over Kaduna Bomb Victims At Shehu’s Palace issued by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser To The President On Media And Publicity.
Earlier, Tinubu at the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar El-Kanemi, in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital reiterated his resolve to rid the country of insecurity.
Tinubu pledged that the Federal Government will continue to do “all within its powers to provide support and care to the families of all Nigerians affected by the remnants of insecurity in parts of Borno State.”
The Nigerian leader declared that under his watch, security issues would remain a priority, but not limited only to battlefield concerns.
“This is my most sacred responsibility and the trajectory of the larger effort shown by the ratio of victory over defeat has been sliding well in our favour since the new administration has resumed office.
“We are not satisfied yet. We are not satisfied until we reach the end of insecurity in Nigeria. We will provide better amenities and benefits to our gallant armed forces and their families. We are committed to this and this is factored into the 2024 budget.
“We will ensure that our administration reflects the grateful heart of the Nigerian people in the way we treat those who make the ultimate sacrifices on our behalf,” the President affirmed.
At the conference, the president said he will continue to work assiduously and provide the military with the necessary support to keep troublers of the nation at bay.
Responding, Mohammed Badaru, Minister Of Defence, said Tinubu’s new approach to empowering the force and enhancing intra-military collaboration has led to a substantial increase in the morale of the armed forces.
“Mr. President, you are a man of your word. Your Renewed Hope agenda assured Nigerians of progress in the fight against insecurity,” the minister said.
“The men of the armed forces are more committed than ever before. They see the progress they are recording. They know the damage they are inflicting on our enemies.
“They have high morale. Our enemies do not because of your leadership. Thank you, Mr. President.”
In his remarks, Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief Of Army Staff, said the ongoing military operations across the country have significantly weakened criminal elements.
Speaking earlier, the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, acknowledged the steady improvement in collaboration between the security agencies and the Borno State Government.
He stated, “We have seen the close working relationship between our state and the security agencies. The results speak for themselves.
“We remain committed to the achievement of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the fight against insecurity anywhere it exists in Nigeria.
“We thank you for your leadership, Mr. President. We will continue to give all required support to the Nigerian Armed Forces.”
On his part, the Shehu of Borno urged the President to deliver his infrastructural interventions to areas hard-hit by insurgency.
“We seek the revival of the Lake Chad Commission to provide succour to the large communities in Lake Chad’s surrounding areas.
“We seek power projects and job creation initiatives for our unemployed youths. Governor Zulum has been performing beyond what is humanly possible, but his resources are limited. Please assist him,” said the monarch.
Responding, Tinubu commended the Shehu for supporting the government of Borno State and the FG in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Therefore, he promised to enhance the active involvement of traditional institutions in ensuring stability at the grassroots level across the country.
