Umar Kaltungo
The Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has tasked Nigerian security chiefs to as a matter of urgency and necessity take proactive measures to stem repercussions of the current situation in Afghanistan.
Yahaya stated this while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour, at a Roundtable Discussion on the Security Situation in Afghanistan: Implications for Nigeria and Africa, organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College in Abuja, on Friday.
While making this call, he also advocated for a very strong synergy among tiers of government, security agencies in order to completely win the ongoing war against insurgency in the country.
The Governor further stressed that the unfolding events in Afghanistan and other countries demand that authorities in Nigeria take proactive measures to stem any grave repercussions.
Governor Yahaya, who described the event as apt and timely, noted that Nigeria and Afghanistan share a lot of characteristics, hence what affects the South Asian country has consequences in Nigeria and Africa in general.
He also said that the implications of the development in Afghanistan and other countries across the world are worrisome and disturbing, especially with the insecurity that is challenging the fabric of Nigeria.
Inuwa Yahaya however observed that presentation of papers and holding of roundtable discussions are not enough but implementing the outcomes of the deliberations is what matters the most.
The Governor who alao shared with participants the Gombe state experience, advocated for a strong synergy among the Federal, States, Local Government Councils as well as other relevant stakeholders, so that issues of security are nipped in the bud before they snowball and get out of hand.
Inuwa Yahaya observed that governments at all levels risk exacerbating the situation if social amenities are not provided and jobs for the youths, who are usually the foot soldiers for any civil unrest are not taken care of, stressing that the forum needs to take a proper look at these issues.
He equally advised that repentant Boko Haram insurgents who are undergoing de-radicalisation should be properly reintegrated into the society with proper vocational training that could sustain them and take their minds off the possibility of picking arms again.
The Minister of Defence, General Salihi Magashi, represented by Major-Gen. AT Jibrin, (rtd), commended the organisers of the roundtable and assured of FGs readiness to consider recommendations that will come out of the meeting.
On his part, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, called for sustained synergy and interplay amongst the security agencies and all relevant stakeholders to be able to deliver on the mandate of ensuring the security of the lives of the people.
The National Security Adviser and the Commandant of the National Defence College both agreed that the nation is indeed in dire need of solutions and collective efforts in dealing with the contemporary challenges, hence the desirability of this discussion.
