Lifestyle

Nigeria’s food price hike caused by insecurity — Defence minister

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The Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi, said on Monday the worsening insecurity was responsible for the rising prices of food items in Nigeria.

Magashi stated this in his address at a retreat for defence advisers and attaches organised by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) in Abuja.

He described the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East and the banditry in the North-West as huge security challenges to the country.

He also listed illegal oil bunkering in some states in the South-South and activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the South-East as other security challenges rocking the country.

Magashi said: “The threats currently facing Nigeria and understanding their socio-geographic context is pivotal for adapting appropriate and lasting counter-measures.

“Regrettably, the prevalence of these threats has continued to endanger not only national security and economic growth, but also food security.

“In particular, food security has been adversely affected with the attendant rise in the prices of foodstuff across the country which portends a new dimension of threat.

“This makes it imperative for the various security agencies in the country to continue to collaborate to tackle this menace in order to create an enabling atmosphere for economic activities to thrive and to attract foreign direct investment.

“It also means that the security agencies must explore all avenues within their respective systems to come up with innovative ways of identifying and confronting the challenges facing us as a nation.”

Politics

Nigeria in deep calamity over insecurity – ex-gov Bafarawa

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A former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, on Monday, decried the country’s worsening insecurity, noting that the problem has plunged the North-West into a deep calamity.

Bafarawa, who stated this in a chat with the BBC Hausa Service in Kaduna, stressed that farmers are always the targets of bandits in the region.

He said all those telling President Muhammadu Buhari that all is well with the security situation in the country are cheating him and the people of the North-West.

The ex-governor said: “This insecurity is a catastrophe that has befallen us. The situation in Sokoto and Zamfara States can only be described by those who have been there.

“The sad thing is that we all know that the security of the nation is in the hands of the Federal Government. Those people telling President Muhammadu Buhari that everything is ok, or are they telling him things are not ok? If they are telling him things are going on fine, they have cheated him and cheated us too.

Allah knows that we are in a serious calamity in our zone. Today, I traveled home and came back, I am an eyewitness, not that somebody told me. Our people are harvesting millet in abundance, we have gotten millet and rice, but people cannot convey the farm produce home. Whoever went to the farm to convey the crops home, will not come back alive.

Whoever goes to bring his rice back home, will not return alive. Furthermore, people are in a form of incarceration like in Zamfara. A debilitating catastrophe, a situation that phones cannot work, markets are shut and there is no palliative for the poor to cushion the effect, to get food to eat.

“My call here is that we should put politics aside. This is a situation that affects me, it affects the President and he is the one that will be answerable to Allah.

“Allah will ask him questions, he (the President) should constitute a special team to visit Barafawa and Shinkafi on a fact-finding mission. Or they should go to the villages around Shinkafi, or Sabon Birni or Goronyo. All these places in the senatorial zone are in deep calamity.”

Politics

Soludo advocates dialogue between Nigerian govt, secessionists to curb violence, insecurity

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A former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Prof Charles Soludo, has advocated the need for dialogue towards quelling secessionist agitations in the South-East region.

Soludo made this call on Friday during a consultation with Anambra indigenes in Lagos on Friday.

The former CBN official noted that the Igbos must unify in order to establish a platform that will catapult them to the front seat regarding the affairs of the country.

Soludo said, “Yes, there are agitations and I respect them. But dialogue is the answer. They must dialogue; Igbo and Nigeria. That will settle it once there’s an organised platform, where the Igbo will be in the front seat.

“Forget about the APC and PDP. For us to negotiate our way to the centre, we must come together and form a formidable force for doing this.

“I call on all Igbo to come together, step out and build our land into a liveable homeland.”

On the current insecurity in Anambra State, Soludo linked it to massive unemployment among the vibrant youth populace.

“Our answer to these unrests is prosperity and job creation. Once there are jobs everywhere, all of those people will come out of the bushes and do something productive with that lives.

Politics

We are not behind insecurity in Imo – PDP

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Imo State has rejected statement credited to the state government on the growing insecurity in the state.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the state government had alleged that PDP was behind the attack on innocent people and facilities in the state.

However, in a statement issued by its Acting Publicity Secretary in the state, Mazi Emenike Nmeregini, noted that it would no longer entertain such accusations by the state governor, Hope Uzodinma, and his aides.

The party threatened to sue the state government if it does not desist from such act.

PDP declared that its leaders are law-abiding and responsible citizens who cannot engage in action capable of putting he lives of innocent people of the state in danger.

The statement read: “The unsigned press releases were evidently sponsored by Senator Hope Uzodinma-led APC government to build trumped-up charges against the leaders of the major opposition party in the state, the PDP in order to intimidate, oppress and silence them from holding his unpopular administration accountable to the people of Imo State and to conceal his gross incompetence.

“The persistent horrendous state of insecurity in Imo leading to serial bloodbaths clearly shows a dripping lack of capacity on the part of APC government led by Uzodinma to guarantee safety and security of lives and property of Imo people, instructive of the tragic level of Uzodinma’s unpreparedness to govern the State.

Deeply concerned about the deteriorating security situation in the state, our party had in June this year advised Uzodinma to step down as governor given his evident weakness to manage the security crisis.

“Instead of recognising the well-based advice as a wake-up call, the government has since resorted to high-handedness, name-calling, blackmail, witch-hunting, and hawking of fake, malicious, and mischievous allegations such as the ones that prompted their statement against the PDP.”

Politics

I will use my power to help Uzodinma fight insecurity in Imo – Buhari

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President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged to help Governor Hope Uzodinma fight insecurity in Imo state.

He said he would use his constitutional powers to help in fighting insecurity in the state.

The president spoke during the commissioning of Egbeada-Onitsha bypass road in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

He then pledged to help deal with infrastructural deficits of the state.

Buhari said: “I have gone round and I am impressed with what I saw. A society without security and infrastructure will not progress and luckily this is where my vision has tallied with the governor of Imo State. I will use my power as enshrined by the constitution to make the governor achieve more.”

Earlier in his speech, the governor urged the president to deal permanently with the issues of insecurity and flooding which he said was ravaging Owerri.

Politics

Katsina lawmakers breakdown in tears at plenary over escalating insecurity

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Two members of the Katsina State House of Assembly, on Monday, broke down in tears during plenary while deliberating over the escalating insecurity situation bedevilling the state.

During his presentation on the floor of the House, the Deputy Speaker, Alhaji Shehu Dalhatu-Tafoki, presented a motion of urgent Public Importance over the level of insecurity in the state.

According to Dalhatu-Tafoki, the situation had become alarming as it keeps getting worse daily despite efforts of the federal, state governments and the security agencies.

The Deputy Speaker also noted that the issue of insecurity in the state was worsening by the day, with more people being killed everyday as more communities were being affected.

“There is a serious need for the security outfits in the state to increase their outposts across the state, especially the most insecurity affected areas.

The outposts in those areas are not enough, they cannot overpower the bandits, despite the huge amounts of money being spent on them,” he said.

In his contribution, Alhaji Haruna Goma, representing Dandume constituency, said no fewer than 11 persons were killed in two communities of Dandume, while many were abducted, before breaking down in tears as he could not finish his speech.

While narrating the incident, the lawmaker called on government at all levels to come to their aid before members of his community end up being massacred.

A second lawmaker, the Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed, representing Funtua constituency, also shed tears as he narrated how bandits had laid siege to his constituency for the past 40 days, attacking the people on a daily basis, killing scores and kidnapping many.

After the long deliberations by the lawmakers, the assembly unanimously adopted the motion and called on all relevant authorities to look into the issue in the interest of those affected.

The House also resolved to hold a meeting with the National assembly members from Katsina and also the state executive arm, to discuss the issue of insecurity, as well as inviting all heads of security agencies in the state and the state’s committee on security, for solutions to the problem.

Politics

Ekiti govt warns PDP against politicisation of insecurity

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The Ekiti State government on Saturday warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against undue politicisation of matters bordering on the security of lives and property in the state.

The Senior Special Assistant on Inter-party Relations to the Governor, Sam Oluwalana, made the call during a chat with journalists in Ado-Ekiti.

Oluwalana appealed to the party to refrain from comments that could people the impression it as mocking victims of insecurity in the state.

The governor’s aide was reacting to the PDP criticising the government over the recent spate of insecurity in the state.

The party had in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary in Ekiti, Raphael Adeyanju, accused the state government of having an agreement with the bandits killing and kidnapping people on daily basis in the state.

The party lamented that Ekiti, hitherto regarded as the most peaceful state in the South-West, had turned into a haven of bandits and political thugs.

The statement read: “Time has come for stakeholders in the state to confront Governor Kayode Fayemi and ask him whether or not he has an understanding with these marauding bandits not to touch them.”

In his reaction however, Oluwalana said the politicisation of the state security challenges will do no one any good.

He said: “For PDP to have politicised this type of issue, where life was lost, showed that it is irresponsible and lazy. The issue of insecurity is one that affects the entire country, and Ekiti is not an exemption.

“I want to say that the governor is working hard to secure the lives of citizens and we should all join hands with him to ensure that criminals are exposed, rather than making political comments capable of heating up the system.”

Politics

Sultan of Sokoto decries insecurity, high cost of living, in Nigeria

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The Sultan of Sokoto and President, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has decried the lingering insecurity threats and the high cost of living in the country which in turn has led to things not improving in every sector.

The Sultan made the observation in Gombe State on Thursday during the 3rd Conference of the Da’awah Coordination Council of Nigeria (DCCN), which is an amalgamation of about 52 Da’awa groups in Gombe.

In his speech, the Sultan lamented the high cost of living insecurity bedevilling the country, and said
“action must be taken by political leaders and elite to address the issues.

We must tell ourselves the home truth and stop deceiving ourselves that things are getting better. The truth is, things are not getting better.

Therefore, the earlier we know things are not getting better the better for us, so that we can sit down and find means and ways of solving our problems.

“We must work hard to tackle the insecurity, hunger, poverty and all the negative things afflicting our great country.

“We have problems, yes we know we have problems and I have said it before that things are not just normal and right in this country, but we can make things normal and right by Allah’s wish, so we have to work hard.

“People are suffering and we have few people that have so much and too many people that have nothing, yet we are not helping the poor,” the revered monarch said.

Abubakar therefore, advised the government to get adequate food supply and store, so as to sell at a much subsidised rate to the common man.

“Without food, the country cannot experience peace, security and development. And without development we are just a bunch of people sitting down,” he added.

Politics

Insecurity has set education in the north 20 years backward —Former Head of State, Abdulsalami

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A former military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) has lamented that the insecurity in the northern part of Nigeria has taken education in the region 20 years backward.

The former head of state spoke on Thursday when he received officials of the Niger State chapter of the Campaign for Democracy and Human Rights (CDHR) led by its state chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Jabi, at his Minna residence in Niger State.

Abdulsalami noted that many children of school age can no longer go to school while those in schools are being kidnapped.

He said, “Insecurity has taken education in the north back 20 years. We are facing serious insecurity. Some heartless people keep kidnapping our children. forgetting that they too have children.

Will they be happy if their children are kidnapped and traumatised?”

Also, he explained that insecurity is a major hindrance to the socio-economic development of the nation and called for all hands to be on deck to bring it to an end.

Meanwhile, he blamed the poor economic situation in the country on the effect of the COVID-19, saying it has handicapped the states and Federal Government financially.

“COVID-19 became a stumbling block to the world; COVID-19 brought a setback to all our programmes,” he added.

Entertainment

Comedian, I Go Dye, urges Nigerian govt to tackle insecurity, leave Igboho alone

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Nigerian comedian, I Go Dye, has taken to his social media platform, Instagram to reprimand the government for failing to tackle insecurity in the country but are rapid in dealing with the Yoruba activist, Sunday Igboho.

I Go Dye, real name Francis Agoda implored the government to deploy Department of State Services (DSS) to states where bandits are operating.

In his Instagram statement, the comedian stated that DSS have no authority to invade the privacy of the activist, Igboho without prior notice.

Recall the home of Igboho in Soka, Ibadan, Oyo State was invaded a couple of days ago. This development has since triggered reactions from major groups and individuals in the Southwest and other parts of the nation.

I Go Dye published this on his social media page;

“The DSS SHOULD USE SAME APPLICATION THEY USED TO ATTACK SUNDAY IGBOHO HOUSE, SHOULD BE USED ON THE BANDITS AND KIDNAPPERS OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN THE NORTH.

“What’s right is right, and what’s wrong is wrong and should be spoken against, because violating one’s right by attacking someone’s residence without inviting the person to the security institutions is wrong.

We shouldn’t wait till it affects your immediate brother before you condemn the attack on Sunday’ Igboho resident

“Yes security institutions can make arrest at anytime, but lets not give majority of Nigerians that this promptness of action has a regional or ethnic sentiments.

“The same application should be used on the bandits and kidnappers of school children in the North.”

Politics

South-East governors hold crucial meeting over attacks in region, vow to tackle insecurity

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Governors of the five states in the South-East met on Monday as part of efforts to tackle the rising spate of insecurity in the region.

This follows the incessant attacks that have claimed lives and left several injured in various states in the region, with police stations and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices being the targets in most cases.

At the virtual meeting of the south-east governors’ forum, the leaders discussed ways to tackle the security threats in the region and secure the lives of the people.

They vowed to leave no stone unturned in tracking and bringing to justice all those involved in what they described as the armed banditry currently ravaging the South East.

The governors also sympathised with the families of all those who have lost their lives during the moment of violent hostilities in the region.

They, however, appealed to the people to exercise restraint and allow the security agencies to continue with their investigations.

At the meeting, the governors condemned the killing of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ahmed Gulak, by gunmen on Sunday while on his way to the Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

They resolved to stand with the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodima, and the security agencies in their efforts to unravel the masterminds of the killing.

The leaders also commiserated with the immediate family of Gulak, as well as the government and people of Adamawa State over the unfortunate incident.

They noted that the directive by President Muhammadu Buhari to the security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators would further strengthen the bonds of unity and trust between the people of the South East and their northern counterparts.

The governors thanked their colleagues in the North for their understanding in the face of the killing and give an assurance that the masterminds would be made to face justice.

Politics

Insecurity: Southern Governors ban open grazing, ask Buhari to address nation

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Governors of the Southern region have demanded that President Muhammadu Buhari address Nigerians on the challenges of insecurity and restore the confidence of the people.

The governors from 17 states in the south-south, south-east and south-west stated this in a 12-point communique read by its Chairman, and Ondo state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, at the end of its four hours meeting held in Asaba, Delta state.

They affirmed that the people of Southern Nigeria remain committed to the unity of Nigeria on the basis of justice, fairness, equity, oneness, and peaceful co-existence between and among its peoples with a focus on the attainment of shared goals for economic development and prosperity.

At the meeting it was also agreed that open grazing be banned across all southern states.

The communique read; “Southern Governors expressed very grave concern on the security challenges currently plaguing the nation and strongly urged that Mr. President should address Nigerians on the challenges of insecurity and restore the confidence of our people.

“We observed that the incursion of armed herders, criminals, and bandits into the Southern part of the country has presented a severe security challenge such that citizens are not able to live their normal lives including pursuing various productive activities leading to a threat to food supply and general security.

“Consequently, the meeting resolved that open grazing of cattle be banned across Southern Nigeria.

Agreed that the progress of the nation requires that urgent and bold steps be taken to restructure the Nigerian Federation leading to the evolution of state police, review of revenue allocation formula in favour of the sub-national governments and creation of other institutions which legitimately advance our commitment to and practice of true federalism.

In view of widespread agitations among our various peoples for greater inclusiveness in existing governance arrangements, the Federal Government should convoke a national dialogue as a matter of urgency.”

The meeting, therefore, recommended the activation and establishment of ports in other states of the federation to create new jobs and promote socio-economic activities in the country.

Fifteen governors were in attendance at the meeting.

They are Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Dr Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos).

Others are Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), David Umahi (Ebonyi), Willie Obiano (Anambra). Imo and Akwa Ibom States were represented by their deputy governors, while Osun and Cross Rivers states were absent at the meeting.

Politics

Insecurity: We won’t relocate AFRICOM to Nigeria, others – US replies Buhari

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The United States has said there is no plan to relocate its Africa Command (AFRICOM) from its current base in Stuttgart, Germany to Nigeria or any other African nation despite the worsening state of insecurity in the region.

The US Department of Defense, gave the response barely two weeks after President Muhammadu Buhari appealed to the US government to consider relocating AFRICOM to Africa to assist Nigeria and other adjoining countries to combat worsening terrorism, banditry and other security crises.

Germany-based Africa Command (AFRICOM) is the US military headquarters that oversees its operations in Africa.

Buhari said; “The security challenges in Nigeria remain of great concern to us and impacted more negatively, by existing complex negative pressures in the Sahel, Central and West Africa, as well as the Lake Chad Region.”

He added; “In this connection, and considering the growing security challenges in West and Central Africa, Gulf of Guinea, Lake Chad region and the Sahel, weighing heavily on Africa, it underscores the need for the United States to consider relocating AFRICOM headquarters from Stuttgart, Germany to Africa and near the Theatre of Operation.”

However, responding to an email inquiry from The PUNCH, the US government through The Pentagon, on Thursday ruled out any plan to relocate AFRICOM from its current base in Germany to Nigeria or any part of Africa.

It said previous studies have shown that the cost of relocating AFRICOM from Germany to Africa is very huge.

In the emailed response to The Punch on whether the US would consider Nigeria’s request to relocate AFRICOM to the continent, The Pentagon said although it would continue to value Nigeria and other countries in Africa as important partners, the American government would not consider relocating AFRICOM to any part of the African continent at the moment.

It would be inappropriate to speculate on any future actions. However, at this time, moving this headquarters (AFRICOM HQ) to Africa is not part of any plans, but USAFRICOM’s commitment to their mission, our African and other partners, remains as strong today as when we launched this command more than a decade ago,” US Pentagon spokesperson, Ms Cindi King said.

King also ruled out any plan to consider Buhari’s request in an ongoing global US defense review.

She said; “Although there is an ongoing Global Posture Review, the relocation of Combatant Command headquarters is outside the scope of its assessment. In the case of AFRICOM, previous studies have concluded that the cost associated with the relocation of this headquarters is significant and likely to incur the expense of other engagement opportunities and activities that more directly benefit our valued African partners.

“We greatly value the partnership with Nigeria and appreciate President Buhari’s recognition of the United States’ positive contribution to African peace and security, as well as other regional partners that have made similar past pronouncements. The United States remains committed to continuing our close partnership with African countries and organisations to promote security and stability.”

Politics

I took three contractors to Buhari to help tackle insecurity – Fr. Mbaka

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Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, says he led three security contractors to President Muhammadu Buhari with a view to proffer solutions to the security challenges in the country.

Mbaka stated this in reaction to the Presidency’s accusation that he called for the resignation of the President because of Buhari’s refusal to grant his contract request.

The Priest, who supported the President during the 2015 and 2019 elections, had on Wednesday during his midweek ministration made a U-turn, asking Buhari to resign or be impeached for not doing enough to tackle widespread insecurity in the country.

But the Presidency opened a can of worms thereafter, saying Mbaka has suddenly become a critic because Buhari refused to offer contracts to his allies.

Reacting to the accusation, Mbaka admitted that he led three security experts to the President to proffer solutions to the insecurity ravaging the country even as he said that those people were not known to him.

The cleric said; “Yes, I led three security experts to the Presidency who offered to help salvage the security situation in Nigeria.

“I don’t know them, but they came to Enugu and pleaded for me to link them to government because of the level of insecurity and how Nigeria has been moving oil outside the country. These are the three people they rejected their offer.”

He further said; “I am happy that the truth was hitting them. We are not afraid of them. Buhari cannot do it again; health and age are not on his side. We need a stronger and an experienced goalkeeper in a time like this. If they want to put it that it was because of contract, let them come and build the highest university here and begin to mess up, I will still speak.”

Politics

Tinubu ‘angered & troubled’ over insecurity, urges Nigerians to support security forces

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The national leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed his anger over the insecurity ravaging the Nigeria.

Tinubu, who had earlier this week opined that the ruling party has bright chances of ruling the country beyong 2023, said he was troubled by the acts of terror happening in many parts of the country.

In a series of tweet on Thursday, the former Senator and Lagos Governor also called on fellow citizens to stand with the military and other security agencies, who are doing their best to contain the situation.

“Like all decent Nigerians, I am angered and troubled by the terror and cruelty being visited upon the people of Borno, Yobe, Benue, Niger, Imo and other parts of the nation,” he tweeted.

These attacks have caused many to disparage our military and security forces. This we must not do. Valiant men and women serve in our security forces, risking their lives to protect us. We stand with them.

“Government also must continue to encourage the security forces to do their utmost to subdue this threat. The lives of innocent Nigerians and the future progress of the nation may lie in the balance.

“As a people, we must never surrender to the fearful temptation to blame one another. Regardless of region or religion, we must unite against a common foe. Discord will only invite defeat.

“The enemy’s attacks seem to focus on our schools, religious institutions and security forces. They seek to extinguish the light of knowledge and hope by shrouding us in the darkness of fear and brutal ordeal.

We must not tremble. They will be vanquished. In the end, tolerance, justice and compassion shall win the day.”

Politics

South-East govs meet in Owerri over increasing insecurity

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Governors of the South-East region on Sunday held a meeting in Owerri, the Imo State capital over the security situation in the zone.

The meeting was made known by the Imo State Government in a tweet, saying “Southeast Security Summit currently ongoing at Owerri, Imo State. All 5 South-East Governors present at the meeting.”

More to come….

Politics

Makinde cautions individuals politicising insecurity over 2023 ambitions

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The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has cautioned people politicising security issues in the state, saying they were making a mistake.

The governor, who addressed the congregations at the St. Peters Anglican Cathedral, Aremo, Ibadan, on Sunday, maintained that issues concerning the country’s security shouldn’t be politicised

Although Makinde admitted that the state was experiencing security challenges, he stressed that the problem was not peculiar to the state but the country as a whole.

He asked: “If there’s no Oyo State or Nigeria by 2023 because of the politicisation of security; who and what are they going to govern?”

The governor urged individuals politicising the security challenges in the state because of their 2023 political ambitions to seek the face of God instead of engaging in actions that could trigger insecurity in the state.

He said the state government had taken time to investigate reports of insecurity across Oyo State and was making efforts to better equip security operatives.

Politics

Nigerian govt seeks synergy at all levels to tackle insecurity, terrorism

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The Federal Government has stressed the need for synergy in tackling current security challenges across the country.

It has also emphasised the need to provide basic amenities for citizens at sub-national levels, declaring that the gesture would play a key role in reducing insecurity.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, in a speech at the third Quarterly Meeting of Secretaries to State Governments (SSGs), in Abuja on Thursday, March 18, also underscored the need for synergy among security agencies.

The theme for the meeting was “The Role of Secretaries to the State Governments in Strengthening Sub-National Level Security Architecture”.

According to Mustapha, the theme underscored the need for the security agencies to share their thoughts with the forum and thereby highlight critical areas in which they can provide the necessary support and facilitation for the strategies.

He said: “Nigeria has been confronted with an inexplicable escalation of violence resulting in insecurity across the nation.

“I will not want to bother you with the details of these forms of criminality, but it is good to add that it not only serves as a drain to our national resources but creates a climate of uncertainty and challenges the ability of the nation to provide a convivial atmosphere for its citizens to go about their everyday normal businesses.

“Governments at all levels have been doing their utmost best to address these challenges. However, its persistence calls for approaches that are more than conventional and normal.

“We need to involve all arms of government, all apparatus of government and most importantly, those that have a relationship directly with the rural communities and the citizenry.

It is, therefore, in line with the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari, with support from all the State Governors, that this forum should bring to bear its coordinating and monitoring role at all levels for a holistic approach to a resolution of these problems,” he explained.

Mustapha said that the Federal Government would continue to strengthen the National parks Service to ensure that all the previous seven National parks and the 10 new ones created remain inviolate for use by criminal elements.

In his remarks, the National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Maj. Gen Babagana Monguno called on the SSGs to see security as everyone’s business and work toward mobilising everyone to participate in the efforts to tackle the challenge.

“The fight to end insurgency is a fight for everyone, no one should be left out.

“We need to complement each other to put an end to security challenges in the country.

“The success rate in the fight against banditry will be higher if everyone takes it serious. It shouldn’t be left for the government alone,” he explained.

Monguno urged them to develop a robust internal framework that would involve all critical stakeholders, most especially the traditional and religious leaders, to complement the work of the security agencies in their states.

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, said that the Federal Government had developed strategies to deal with issues of insecurity, but regretted that the strategies were yet to get the maximum cooperation from the state governments.

Adamu said that the Federal government had realised that policing should come from the grassroots and there was a need for the SSGs to be coordinators.

Politics

Yoruba leaders to meet over insecurity in South west region

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Leaders of Yoruba nation under the aegis of the Pan Yoruba Congress (PYC) are billed to meet and deliberate over the security crisis facing the South-Western region of the country.

A statement by the Congress’ Committee Chairman, Ogbeni Sola Lawal, on Thursday revealed that the meeting is bill for Wednesday next week in Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to Lawal, leaders of the region expected at the event includes leaders of all facets of human engagement such as traditional, political, religious, business and social among others.

Everything is set for the historic gathering.The Pan Yoruba congress is about our unity as a race, it is about our destiny and it is about our stake in securing the southwest and making our region safe for all and sundry, ” Lawal said.

Lawal noted that the event would set the agenda for comprehensive safety and security across the southwest region as allowed within the ambit of the law of the nation.

The region has been bedevilled of late by killings and violence prompted by allegations against herders.

Politics

INSECURITY: Oyetola, Alaafin meet in Osogbo

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The Osun State governor, Gboyega Oyetola, on Sunday held a closed-door meeting with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, at the Government House in Osogbo.

The duo discussed the current security situation in Nigeria and other major national issues at the meeting.

The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ismail Omipidan, disclosed this on his Twitter handle.

He wrote: “The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, on Sunday visited Governor Adegboyega Oyetola to confer with him on emerging national issues.

“On hand to receive him at the Government House, Osogbo, were the First Lady, Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola, and the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrasheed Ayotunde Olabomi.”

Oyetola was one of the 10 All Progressives Congress (APC) governors that accompanied President Muhammadu Buhari to the party’s registration centre for his revalidation of the party’s membership in Daura, Katsina, on Saturday.

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