Words And Statements Aren’t Enough Amid Insecurity In Nigeria – Bukola Saraki

Ex-Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki has come out to advise the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government to take urgent steps amid the current insecurity in Nigeria.

He recently revealed this via a statement, and Nigerians have been reacting.

According to him, Buhari and his employees in power should do everything possible to seek help in the wake of the spikes in killings across the country before things get out of hand.

He added that words and press statements are not enough during this period, and the citizens are waiting for action from the leaders they elected.

His words, “It is obvious that President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress, APC, the government need help. They have been overwhelmed by the situation and they sure need assistance from all. Thus, I urge Mr President to seek help wherever it can be given. This matter has gone beyond what the government can handle alone. The President should know that calling for help in our present situation is not a sign of weakness.”

“Yesterday (Monday, April 26), Nigeria experienced one of the saddest days in recent memory. All in one day, from Anambra State to Kaduna, Yobe, Niger, and the Lagos States, critical insecurity issues were recorded and reported. Hour after hour; breaking news after breaking news, we saw numerous unacceptable reports of violence, kidnapping, terrorism, and the systematic breakdown of law and order in many parts of the nation. This should not be so.”

“We read reports of Boko Haram hoisting up its flag in Niger State, in Shiroro Local Government Area that houses one of Nigeria’s largest power stations — and is just about 200 kilometres from our federal capital. We also read the statement of the Niger State governor, where he expressed how helpless the government has become, and how thousands of people have been displaced in his state. He also lamented how the efforts of the federal government have not yielded concrete results.”

“We also received sad and disturbing reports that Mainok, a town on the Damaturu-Maiduguri highway was invaded on Sunday by the insurgents who unabashedly went on a killing spree — targeting our brave soldiers and innocent civilians alike. Nine people were said to have been killed by hoodlums that invaded Ukpomachi Village, Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.”

“In Kaduna State, two more innocent students that were kidnapped from Greenfield University were killed by their abductors. While, an unspecified number of students have now been abducted from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, in Benue State. All in one day, all within a 24-hour news cycle. This cannot continue. This cannot become Nigeria’s new normal.”

“Before giving my comment, I want to state that as we reel from the multiple tragedies, my family and I will continue to pray for all the affected families and communities. We will lend them our full support as we all bind together to get past this difficult time. May God grant them the fortitude and the strength that they need to withstand this difficult and sad period.”

“Just as I stated in my press statement on the same issue on January 24, 2021, I want to reiterate that the President needs to bring together all former Presidents and heads of state, serving and former chief justices, serving and former presiding officers of the National Assembly, serving and former heads of security agencies, traditional rulers with relevant experience, leaders of the private sector, development partners, friends of Nigeria in the international community and all others who can help in finding solutions to the problem at hand.”

“At this point, words and press statements are not enough. We need to see action. I appeal to Mr President to take the bull by the horn. He should act to stem the tide of this violence threatening to tear the country apart.”