Buhari has handled insecurity better than any other Nigerian leader - LAI MOHAMMED

 

...claims Nigeria would have become an Islamic state if Buhari had not been elected.

....Chides some Nigerian elite taking advantage of instability for selfish gain
…

To imply Buhari has nothing more to give is false, illogical, and stinks of dirty politics.

As insecurity persists in the country, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, has stated that if President Muhammadu Buhari had not taken immediate steps to combat the epidemic, terrorists would have succeeded in transforming Nigeria into an Islamic State.

He did, however, acknowledge that banditry and kidnapping represented a real threat to the country at the time.

The minister, who stated these at a briefing in Abuja yesterday, was apparently reacting to a statement issued two days ago in Abuja by some tribal, religious, and political leaders on the state of the nation, with former President Olusegun Obasanjo asking the government to do more to save the country from security threats.

Mohammed bemoaned the fact that some parts have heightened comments on insecurity, with some of the issues stemming from legitimate concerns in some circles and crass politicking or simple ridiculousness in others.

He remained unrepentant in his argument and assertion that Buhari had done enough to safeguard the country since taking office in 2015, when Boko Haram and other nefarious organisations held the country hostage and even held forth in many sections of the North.

"Since taking office in 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari has made security a central element of his administration's strategy," he stated.

‘’ This is hardly surprising given that the battle against insecurity is one of the APC-led Federal Government's three top priorities.

Some Nigerian elite are taking advantage of instability for personal gain. - Some Nigerian elite are profiting from insecurity.

"Yes, the security situation has remained a major problem, but it is easy to lose sight of where we are coming from amid the cacophony of voices, some truly worried about the situation and others eager to use it for selfish goals."

‘’Today, we can only look at the current scenario and speculate on what would have happened if this President had not seized the bull by the horns in terms of security.

"With the insurgents' control of a vast swath of land the size of Belgium, and their freewheeling attacks in nearly a dozen states, including the Federal Capital Territory, which was hit at least five times, perhaps they could have achieved their goal of declaring an Islamic State in Nigeria if President Buhari had not acted decisively."

‘’ Boko Haram, after all, declared a Caliphate in Gwoza in 2014, after taking Bama and Gamboru, as well as other towns and villages in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa. They established their own emirs, collected taxes, and flew their own flag until the soldiers drove them away.

Banditry and abduction pose a significant difficulty.

"While banditry and abduction have contributed to the state of insecurity, President Buhari has also maintained to give great leadership to guarantee that our security services aggressively combat the cankerworm of insecurity of whatever hue."

No Nigerian leader has dealt with insecurity more effectively than Buhari.

"No government in recent Nigerian history has supplied the security services with the gear required to combat insecurity as President Buhari's, while also improving the morale of our security men and women."

‘’Mr. President recently commissioned an armada of navy boats and ships as part of the latest endeavor to strengthen our nation's maritime security. The army, air force, and police, among others, have all received sophisticated equipment to bolster their arsenals.

"The government has not focused just on kinetic measures." Non-kinetic measures have also been beefed up. The formation of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Activities, Disaster Management, and Social Development to oversee all humanitarian affairs in Nigeria is a significant step in alleviating poverty and reducing the pool of people targeted for recruitment by insurgents and bandits.

‘’Of course, the Federal Government's unprecedented and massive investment in infrastructure is also aimed at improving the nation's socioeconomic well-being and reducing poverty, which is a major source of insecurity.

"Despite this, President Buhari has not backed down, continually presided over meetings of security leaders to acquire an update and also issue appropriate directions, and not missing any occasion to offer succour to his countrymen and women when necessary."

Narratives with flaws

"The twisted narrative in certain places that the President has not demonstrated enough empathy is facile language." The President has also continued to collaborate with our neighbors and, indeed, our Western allies to combat instability, particularly terrorism.

‘’With the entire Sahelian region experiencing a devastating surge in terrorist attacks, particularly in the aftermath of the Libyan crisis, it has become even more critical for Nigeria to step up regional cooperation to more effectively combat insecurity – which is exactly what Mr. President has been doing.

"President Buhari has done so much to combat insecurity in our nation, despite extremely challenging economic and social situations." Not only has he accomplished so much. President Buhari is still doing a lot to keep Nigerians secure.

To imply Buhari has nothing more to contribute is false, illogical, and reeks of dirty politics.

"To claim he has nothing more to contribute is false, illogical, and reeks of dirty politics." By increasing the size and capability of our combat forces, Mr. President is preparing them to deal with instability not only during his presidency, but even after he has left office. "President Buhari is leaving behind a legacy of security, infrastructure development, economic success, and social harmony in Nigeria. This may not seem clear in the midst of severe issues now, but history will be kind to this President."

The minister took use of the briefing to thank the Nigerian military, police, civil defense, and other security, intelligence, and paramilitary organizations for their continuing commitment to the country.

"It's vital to remember that our service members sacrifice their sleep and comfort so that we may sleep comfortably." Even while we continue to fight insecurity, it would be uncharitable of us to say they are not doing enough or to fail to recognize their efforts.

"The recent big surrender of Boko Haram militants and the intense pressure on bandits demonstrate the efficacy of our security services' efforts. Instead of condemning them, we should urge them to achieve more.

"Finally, although there is nothing wrong with citizens voicing their concerns about the country's vulnerability, we would like to point out that the use of inflammatory and disrespectful language, particularly by politicians of all stripes, may only overheat the polity and heighten tension."

"While the government offers leadership, all Nigerians must have a part in safeguarding our country." Security is not just the duty of the security personnel. We must not only support our security services, but also speak up if we see something that threatens our safety and security, as expressed in the mantra: "If you see something, say something," added the minister.