Growing insecurity politically motivated, says lawmaker

National security is a joint task; a collective responsibility involving all the stakeholders – the government, security agencies, traditional and religious rulers, all the people of Nigeria.

The primary duty of government is the protection of lives and property of citizens. Government is not relenting in this regard. To succeed in tackling the current threat to peace and security, while government is already coordinating the various activities geared towards liberating the troubled states from terror, every segment of the society should be involved, to have a breakthrough.

Security strategies are not what government or the security agencies can disclose openly, being a very sensitive matter. The anti-terror war is being fought with vigour. Much successes have been recorded. More still need to be accomplished.

The problem was not brought upon the country by this government. It was inherited as a challenge. Government is doing a lot to win the battle, and winning it is the joint task of all.

What is your reaction to United States President  Donald Trump’s reaction and proposed intervention?

Nigeria is a very strategic country. It is the number one black country in the world. It is the most populous country in Africa. Nigeria shoulders enormous sub-national and continental responsibilities. Its vast human and natural endowment cannot be ignored. Therefore, whatever happens in Nigeria would ordinarily provoke reactions from the western world.

Terrorism is a global problem. But the misinterpretation of the killings in Nigeria, which is regrettable and condemnable, as Christian genocide provoked an uproar. President Trump’s reaction was based on that premise of inadequate information and deliberate falsehood by some vocal voices who twisted the facts. It is not true that there is Christian genocide in Nigeria. The bandits target all and sundry, both Christians and Muslims. Genocide connotes a deliberate and systemsñatic wiping out of a targetted group, either tribe or religious group, backed by the instrumentality of the state. This situation does not exit in Nigeria.

President Tinubu has a national outlook as a bridge builder; very tolerant and accomodating. He is a unity force. A Muslim, his wife is a Christian; a cleric. He has children who are Christians and Muslims, a network of friends cutting across all religions.

The President has promoted peaceful co-existence among the religions. He is a Muslim, but all Nigerians acknowledge his closeness to the leading Christian leaders – Pastor Enoch Adeboye of Redeemed Christian Church, Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, Psstor Tunde Bakare, Bishop Stephen Adegbite of Methodist Church.

But there have been claims of “Christian genocide” in Nigeria by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).. How do you respond to this?

To begin with, people should stop using the word “genocide” so loosely. Many do not even understand its definition. Referring to the current situation as “Christian genocide” is a misnomer and, frankly, disrespectful to the person and office of the President. This administration is working tirelessly, locally and internationally, to strengthen the economy, improve security, and create a safer environment for every Nigerian. We are already seeing results.

The idea that Christians are being selectively killed is misinformation, most likely deliberate misinformation, from individuals who did not expect this government to perform. They forget what the President achieved in Lagos and the templates he left behind, which subsequent administrations still build upon today. Because he is performing, some people feel the only way they can undermine him is by giving the proverbial dog a bad name so they can hang it.

Where did this talk of genocide even come from? When killings occurred in the East, were the perpetrators not Christians? And yet, it was internal violence, not religious persecution. So, we must understand that killings anywhere in the country should be examined carefully to identify the real causes, not reduced to religious narratives. Those spreading such narratives have ulterior motives, and those motives are certainly not in Nigeria’s interest.

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What role is the House of Representatives playing in the search for peace and security at this time?

Under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, the House is working closely with the Executive, both during plenary and at the leadership level. As an arm of government, we have a responsibility to cooperate with and advise the Executive in the shared mission of improving the lives of Nigerians. Several committees have been set up specifically on security. One of them is the committee I chair, which investigates the incessant killings and recurring violence in Plateau State and beyond. We have received memoranda from key stakeholders, held one-on-one meetings, and wecare planning a security summit where all voices can be heard. Our final report will be submitted to the House and ultimately to Mr. President.

During this work, we also observed the significant efforts of the First Lady. She has visited the affected areas and made personal donations running into billions of naira to provide relief to victims. As the President works, the First Lady is also working, both aligned toward the same goal of peace and stability. That is why I find it preposterous for anyone to suggest that acts of violence are targeted at any religious group, or that the government is unconcerned.

 For instance, what do those alleging targeted attacks on Christians say about the recent abduction of Muslim schoolgirls in Kebbi State? Clearly, this is not about religion. Some critics simply refuse to acknowledge the overwhelming successes of this government. And the irony is that many of these vocal critics have become wealthier in recent years. Some were unknown in 1999; now they are “big boys,” yet they go on television to claim nothing is working. But the fact that their businesses thrive means others have the purchasing power to patronise them. If the economy was as bad as they claim, who would be able to pay them billions for their services?

I commend the National Orientation Agency for highlighting the positives. Every country has challenges. But some Nigerians go on TV to make it seem as though there is absolutely nothing good happening here, and that is unfortunate. Things are improving. Are we there yet? No. Are we on the right path? Absolutely yes. We will get there.

Why does insecurity seem to be rising at a time the country is achieving economic stability?

It ties back to what I mentioned earlier. Some people simply do not want to acknowledge progress. They believe praising the government is beneath them, even when they privately know the government is performing. But responsible opposition is not about constant attack. In a healthy democracy, the opposition should acknowledge what is good, critique what needs improvement, and offer alternative ideas. Unfortunately, what we see today is an opposition that thinks its sole duty is to tear down. That is not patriotism. A responsible opposition provides constructive criticism that the government can adopt when sensible. At the end of the day, whether in power or in opposition, we are all Nigerians. Any person who wants the country to burn simply because they are not in power is deeply unpatriotic.

Do you suspect that the growing insecurity is politically motivated?

Yes, I do, very strongly. It is too sudden and too frequent to be dismissed as coincidence. I call on whoever is behind this, whether individuals, groups, or entities, to desist. The law will catch up with them. I know Mr. President very well. I understand his passion for this country, his deep sense of patriotism, and his commitment to performance. He seeks no personal gain; he simply wants to fulfil the mandate he promised Nigerians: a safer country, a better life, a brighter tomorrow.

Anyone trying to sabotage him should stop. He will not allow them to hinder the progress of this nation. And when they are found, the full weight of the law will apply.