BIRNIN KEBBI – Mr Muhammad Usman-Anache, National Chairman, Grassroots Advocacy for Peace and Good Governance (GAPAG), has called on various associations in Northern Nigeria to stop politicising insecurity in the country.
Usman-Anache stated this in a statement made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.
He explained that the organisation had observed with dismay where some regional socio-political groups expressed bias in their analysis of insecurity in the country.
He said: “We wish to regrettably express our concern and dismay at the way and manner some regional affiliate associations, especially the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) and Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), adopted a system of regional bias in issues of insecurity in Nigeria.
“Nobody can dispute the fact that the current administration inherited a very challenging insecurity situation in the country.
“The recent outburst by CNG and ACF over the successful rescue of the Oyo school children and teachers introduced regional criticism, as if other parts of the country are not their priority.”
According to him, the groups deliberately refused to acknowledge any success recorded in efforts to curtail insecurity in the North just because the President is not from their region, describing the act as totally regrettable.
“We observed that their press releases were more about criticism without appreciating the efforts made or offering suggestions for possible solutions.
“This indicates that some of them are either happy with the menace or are using it for political propaganda.
“They regarded the Oyo operation as regional bias without considering that the most successful rescue operation ever in Nigeria was the rescue of the Maga schoolgirls.
“Maga is a village in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi, Northern Nigeria, but they did not identify or commend it because of political motives,” he said.
Usman-Anache revealed that the Maga school students kidnapped by bandits were rescued by the military just after two weeks.
“The Maga rescue lasted two weeks, during which the President directed the Minister of Defence to remain in Kebbi until the girls were rescued.
“In addition, the Inspector General of Police, Service Chiefs and the National Security Adviser were all directed to work in harmony until the girls were successfully rescued.
“But ACF, CNG and the likes have either forgotten about this success or deliberately refused to recall it,” he noted.
Usman-Anache observed that the complicity and assistance to bandits in the North was not obtainable in the South West.
This according to him, this is one of the reasons leading to ease and successful rescue missions in that region than in Northern Nigeria, “where our people work in various capacities for bandits and terrorists.
“For instance, not long ago, the Katsina State Governor, Dr Dikko Radda revealed that people of all categories were arrested for involvement in banditry in Katsina State, including traditional rulers, security agents, politicians, the masses, youth, the old, and women among others.
“But ACF and CNG did not respond to this because of their biased stand on insecurity. They did not issue any press statement to discourage our people from aiding bandits.
“In a situation like this, where many cannot be trusted in the North, you cannot compare the complexity of fighting terrorism with other states where collateral damage is minimal.”
Usman-Anache appreciated the efforts of Mr President in securing Nigeria through allocating highest budget to the military and defence, in addition to efforts in recruitment of more soldiers to further strengthen national security.
He, therefore, advised the president to disregard public distractions and misinformed criticisms and work for the collective good of the nation.
Usman-Anache said GAPAG appreciated the sacrifices of gallant security forces who risk their lives to secure lives and property of citizens across the country.
“We must thank and pray for our gallant security forces who made supreme sacrifices just to ensure we live in peace. We also appreciate their families for their patience at this trying time.
“We also wish to identify and commend the recent efforts recorded in the fight against insecurity in various places, notably in Zamfara, where more than 500 bandits, including a notorious leaders, were eliminated,” he said.
He, however, called on the good people of Nigeria to disregard any call by any organisation trying to politicise the insecurity situation in the country. (NAN)
