President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday asserted that the worsening insecurity in the country affects the citizens and the economy, challenging the foundation of nationhood and stands in the way of his administration in achieving its highest ambitions for Nigeria.
He made the remarks as other stakeholders expressed their views on the security situation of the country.
Buhari stated this while delivering his remarks in Abuja at the opening of a Special Summit on National Security organised by the House of Representatives.
The summit, organized as part of the Green Chamber’s response to the country’s security challenges, was to provide a platform for discussions by security stakeholders and other Nigerians in order to make far-reaching recommendations to the Executive arm of government.
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The President who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, said the issue of insecurity, remains the responsibility of all Nigerians in and out of government, hence all hands should be on deck to address the challenges.
While commending the initiative of the House in organising the summit, Buhari expressed optimism that the challenges will eventually be overcome.
He called on the Legislature to use the opportunity to pass more laws to enhance the operations of national security agencies.
He also urged participants to set aside ethnic, political, religious, and other considerations in the national interest to speak frankly on the security challenges and the solutions.
Buhari said, ‘This summit could not have come a better time because only a few days ago, Nigeria lost the Chief of Army Staff and a host of other Senior Military Officers in a fatal plane crash involving Nigeria Airforce Asset. This is a painful loss to the nation, the military as an institution, and to our efforts to strengthen the security architecture and capacity.
‘In different continents of the world, terrorism, political conflicts, racism and other forms of criminal activities continue to threaten economic development, peace and security. At the regional level; Africa these concerns subsist and continue to rage. Nigeria shares land borders with Benin, Cameron, Chad, and Niger; and maritime boundaries with Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Sao Tome and Principe. The challenges that these international borders pose to our national security and interest are enormous. The instability in the Lake Chad region alone deserves close attention. I am certain that we shall overcome just as we have done many times throughout our history. However, success at this time requires that we set aside all other considerations and commit ourselves to a common endeavour in the national interest.’
In his goodwill message, the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, lamented that Nigeria was currently at crossroads and its very essence of existence was under serious threat due to the activities of insurgents and bandits.
He urged both the Legislative and Executive arms of government to work more closely together by ensuring that recommendations from sessions such as the summit were implemented.
AFRICA TODAY NEWS, NEW YORK