Buhari Raises Alarm, Says Insecurity Rocking Nigeria’s Foundation

President Muhammadu Buhari says insecurity is challenging the very foundation of Nigeria’s nationhood.

He said this in Abuja Wednesday at the Special Summit on National Security organised by the Special Committee of the House of Representatives on Natioal Security. The summit was themed ‘Strengthening National Security. Comprehensive Assessment and Generating Innovative All-Encompassing Solutions.’

Buhari, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said: “Insecurity, as you’re aware, impacts on the citizens and the economy and the governance machinery without regard to political, religious, ethnic or other affiliations. It challenges the foundation of our nationhood and stands in the way of our achieving our highest ambitions for Nigeria.”

He noted that terrorism, political conflicts, racism and other forms of criminal activities continued to threaten economic development, peace and security in different continents of the world.

“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 Precipe.

“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.

“Our nation has had to grapple with various forms of internal security issues over the past decade in all geopolitical zone. Addressing them effectively to restore safety, peace and security, therefore remains the responsibility of all Nigerians, in and out of public office and our democratic institutions.

“This Special National Summit forms part of the collective effort to identify the root causes of our national security challenges so that we can develop and implement solutions through policies, legislations, plans, budgetary provisions, robust oversight system, bilateral and multilateral engagements that would address our present and future deals.

“Insecurity, as you’re aware, impacts on the citizens and the economy and the governance machinery without regard to political, religious, ethnic or other affiliations,”.

Buhari expressed optimism that the nation would overcome as it had done many times throughout its history, stressing, however, that “success at this time requires that we set aside all other considerations and commit ourselves to a common endeavour in the national interest”.