PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has pleaded for greater assistance for safety agencies and much more time to end the insurgency.
He described ending insurgency as problems” beyond the simplistic alternatives being bandied around.”
In his Christmas message, the President also spoke on the rescue of the abducted schoolboys of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara at Katsina State, protests, youth development, and COVID-19.
On insecurity, Buhari pleaded with Nigerians to once more trust his government’s commitment to restore peace in the nation.
He said since the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, he’d”not shirk this cardinal responsibility to secure property and lives” of all Nigerians.
The President said that besides being hurt every time there was a breach of the peace and security in any portion of the country, he moves through distress when”our youths, particularly school kids,” are victims of criminals…
These worthy values which Jesus’ Advent signify, are extremely much needed in our nation now when we are confronted with varied challenges like an increasing spate of armed banditry, kidnappings, insurgency, economic recession, and upsurge of COVID-19 infections.
“I want to, therefore, enjoin fellow compatriots to correct the hope that comes with Christmas and exude confidence in this Administration’s determination and unwavering commitment to restore peace, security, and prosperity to our dear country.
“Under my watch, the Federal Government will continue to provide the needed support in available resources to the majority of members of our armed forces and security agencies since they confront threats to our taxpayers. While I commend them for their efforts so far, I recommend them to do much more to checkmate rising incidents of security threats, especially in the northern parts of the nation as well as the entire country in varying amounts.
“Their display of tact, camaraderie, and experience that resulted in the recent return of abducted schoolboys of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, will remain a milestone in the annals of the country.
“For me personally, providing security for many residents in the country remains an article of religion. It formed an essential segment of the government’s three-point schedule right from inception, and we must follow through with it.
“I cannot in good conscience shirk this cardinal duty to secure property and lives. I feel pained each time a breach of peace and safety occurs in any part of the nation. I am even more distressed when our youths, especially school children, are the targets and victims of mindless and malevolent components in society.
“As a parent, I share the psychological torture and misery parents and guardians go through whenever their children and wards fall into the cruel hands of those enemies of decency and good society.
“I plead with fellow compatriots to present our military and other security agencies more time, collaboration, and support by devoting credible intelligence/information on activities of armed bandits, insurgents, and other criminal elements in their communities in order to put a stop to this blight on our security landscape”
He called on Nigerians to utilize the period of goodwill and joy to renew their faith in the capability of his administration to make an enduring difference in their own lives.
We will stay focused on the complex, multi-dimensional path to reducing the incidents of insecurity to the barest minimum.
“Our people must be free to reside and proceed without let or hindrance. This is crucial not just to enthroning a feeling of calm and social cohesion but for the market to grow.”
The President also said his government would continue to target the youth for development in order that they wouldn’t be accessible for unpatriotic intents.
He, however, mentioned that the government would not permit protests to fester into chaos.
Buhari added: “We shall deliberately target our youths in the order they will not fall in the snare of unpatriotic components to foment social disobedience leading to avoidable loss of lives and property.
“Let me reiterate that while the right to peaceful protest and association is guaranteed under our legislation, this administration will not fold its arms and watch protests however well-intended, degenerate into wanton killings of law enforcement and other safety personnel in addition to the destruction of private and national assets.
He billed Nigerians to go about celebrating the Christmas and New Year festivities subtly, noting there are indications that the state had entered the second tide of this COVID-19 spread.
