News
Garba Shehu Responds To Daily Trust Editorial On Worsening Security Situation In Nigeria
RESPONSE FROM THE OFFICE OF PRESIDENT BUHARI TO TODAY’S DAILY TRUST EDITORIAL: “LIFE HAS LOST ITS VALUE UNDER BUHARI’S NIGERIA”
Given the seriousness of the issue raised by the Daily Trust today, the Office of the President would like to issue a response.
The growing instability and violence in the North of Nigeria and elsewhere is unacceptable. No one, not least the Presidency underestimates the seriousness of the situation. Everyday, the President holds the victims and their families in his thoughts and prayers. Above all, he wishes to reassure them – and all Nigerians – that tackling the scourge of banditry and terrorism remains this government’s first priority.
Sadly, in this respect, Nigeria is not unique. Violence and terror have risen steadily across the entire African continent over the last decade. The Economist magazine in a recent publication wrote about “The Next Afghanistan,” warning the global community of the horrifying security in our neighborhood, citing specifically the states of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. So we understand the frustrations of the Daily Trust and Nigeria’s northern communities about the ongoing challenges of security and the Buhari administration is no less worried. But it is only fair to say that Nigeria’s persistent and continued efforts to suppress that instability have seen results, with the terror group Boko Haram among others reduced to a shell of its former self.
Human Rights Day: Zamfara Sexual Assault referral Center records 366 cases
Yet, now we Nigerians face a new threat: the worst global health crisis in living memory. Even Nigeria that proudly holds the mantle of Africa’s largest economy is not immune from the debilitating economic impact of COVID-19. The economic instability that the pandemic has wreaked has proven an effective recruitment tool for bandits and terrorists across the continent.
Indeed, the Daily Trust has correctly identified the source of the violence as “an amalgam of many complex issues” such as poverty and unemployment. It is equally right to note that, in tackling the violence, “force alone will not be enough.” It is quite wrong, however, to suggest the problem of insecurity is intractable, and more wrong still to claim apathy on the part of the government.
So what is the government doing?
First, our military efforts have not let up. It is true that in the face of today’s growing number of threats from Boko Haram, kidnappers and IPOB to your run-of-the-mill bandits, our forces are stretched increasingly thin. But our dedicated soldiers are working around the clock to keep Nigerians safe.
Second, alongside military force, this government is seeking to address the violence at its economic source. Massive infrastructure projects like the coastal rail and new train from the southern coast through the north-east to our neighbour Niger, aim to expand employment and opportunity across the country, bringing hope to our more remote and poorer regions where bandits and terrorists thrive.
Third, even as the West continues to extricate itself from Africa militarily, we are lobbying our Western allies aggressively for partnership, investment and support in other areas, such as proscribing Boko Haram, bandits and IPOB as terrorist groups, which would severely dent their funding; for investment in trade and infrastructure, to help lessen economic instability; and to help with technical assistance, advanced weaponry, intelligence and ordinance.
This will likely be small comfort to the families and loved ones of those already lost. But make no mistake: this is a battle we are fighting without let up. The Daily Trust’s suggestion that the President exchanges violence for the support he got electorally is beneath a publication that claims any kind of political neutrality or integrity.
Now is not the time for this sort of lurid political journalism. Now our focus as Nigerians must be on coming together and ending the violence. As President Buhari wrote recently of the terrorists in the UK paper, The Financial Times: “We will defeat them, one highway, one rail link – and one job – at a time.”
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 12, 2021
News
Political War Erupts as Kwankwaso Rubbishes Marafa’s Call to Sack Matawalle
The Director of Finance and Administration of the Hadejia–Jama’are River Basin Authority, Hon. Musa Iliyasu Kwankwaso, has dismissed as futile the call by former Senator Kabiru Marafa for the removal of Dr. Bello Matawalle as Minister of Defence, insisting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully satisfied with Matawalle’s performance.
Kwankwaso made the remark while addressing journalists at a press briefing in Abuja, describing Marafa’s demand as unfortunate, baseless and driven by personal bitterness, and stressing that it would not influence the President’s decision.
He said it was disturbing that a politician from the same state as the minister, Zamfara, would publicly attack Matawalle despite the minister’s commitment to national service.
“I was truly shocked when I heard the comments of former Senator Kabiru Marafa calling for the removal of the Minister of Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, even going as far as fabricating lies and false allegations against him. These statements are clearly driven by confusion and jealousy, and Mr. President will never accept them from enemies hiding behind criticism,” Kwankwaso said.
Hon. Kwankwaso further argued that Marafa lacks the moral standing to speak on security matters, citing a controversial traditional title allegedly linked to criminal elements within Marafa’s immediate circle.
“Besides jealousy and bitterness, Marafa has no justification to speak on security issues. A close relative of his senior brother was said to have been involved in helping to confer a traditional leadership title on the notorious bandit leader, Ado Aliero, in Yandoto. It was during Dr. Bello Matawalle’s tenure as governor that the title was subsequently suspended. So I ask: if he truly has a conscience, does he really have the right to speak on security?” he queried.
Kwankwaso also recalled past political comments credited to Marafa, in which the former senator reportedly vowed to defeat President Tinubu politically, questioning the sincerity of his present demand.
“Not long ago, Marafa openly said he would defeat Tinubu and cause him a one-million-vote loss. Now the same person who once wished the President’s failure is calling on the President to remove someone who is working for the success of his administration. That contradiction exposes the real motive behind these attacks,” he added.
He maintained that President Tinubu’s confidence in Dr. Matawalle remains firm, noting that no amount of pressure, manipulation or political jealousy would force the President to act against his judgment.
In his concluding remarks, Kwankwaso cautioned Northerners against what he described as a growing culture of destructive rivalry and bitterness, where individuals seek the downfall of others simply because they have lost political relevance.
He warned that those currently calling for Matawalle’s removal might be the same people who would later accuse the President of marginalising the North should he appoint someone else from outside the region.
News
New Defense Minister GC Musa Takes Oath of Office
By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
President Bola Tinubu has sworn in General Christopher Musa (retd.) as the new Minister of Defence.
Musa, a former Chief of Defence Staff, took the oath of office on Thursday at the State House, Abuja.
Nigerian Tracker News had reported that the Senate on Wednesday confirmed Musa as Minister of Defence following a rigorous five-hour screening.
During the session, the former CDS was grilled over recent security lapses, including the controversial withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, shortly before schoolgirls were abducted on November 17.
He told lawmakers he would “immediately set up a full-scale investigation” into the troop withdrawal once he assumes duty.
Musa also vowed to probe the killing of Brigade Commander Brig-Gen. Musa Uba in Borno State, along with other attacks on senior military officers.
Musa’s nomination followed the resignation of former Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru, reportedly on health grounds.
News
KANSIEC Appoints Adhoc Staff for Ward Bye-Elections
The Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), Professor Sani Lawal Malumfashi, has issued appointment letters to adhoc staff for the upcoming ward bye-elections in three local government areas of the state.
During the presentation of the appointment letters, Professor Malumfashi urged the adhoc staff to justify the trust and confidence the commission has reposed in them.
He expressed his confidence in their ability to discharge their duties based on their level of education, experience, and track record of honesty and dedication.
The adhoc positions include 3 Returning Officers, 3 Electoral Officers, and 3 Assistant Electoral Officers for Dala (Kofar Mazugal), Dogowa (Maraku), and Ghari (Matan Fata) wards.
In a statement signed by Bashir Habib Yahaya media aid to the executive chairman said the Chairman appreciated security agencies, politicians, and the general public for their support and cooperation. The bye-elections are scheduled to hold on December 13, 2025.
Political War Erupts as Kwankwaso Rubbishes Marafa’s Call to Sack Matawalle
New Defense Minister GC Musa Takes Oath of Office
KANSIEC Appoints Adhoc Staff for Ward Bye-Elections
One Kano Agenda Raises Alarm Over Rising Insecurity
Kano Hosts 47th National Council on Establishments
U.S Military Submitted Plans for Possible Strikes in Nigeria to Donald Trump
The Altercation Between Officer Yerima And The FCT Minister Wike: Nigerians Express Divergent Views
The Rise of Mamdani: Power Returns to the People
Return of Achaba in Kano Metropolis: Fact and Security threat.
A Governor on Guard: Gov. Yusuf’s Renewed Resolve to Secure Kano’s Frontline Communities
Political War Erupts as Kwankwaso Rubbishes Marafa’s Call to Sack Matawalle
New Defense Minister GC Musa Takes Oath of Office
KANSIEC Appoints Adhoc Staff for Ward Bye-Elections
One Kano Agenda Raises Alarm Over Rising Insecurity
Kano Hosts 47th National Council on Establishments
U.S Military Submitted Plans for Possible Strikes in Nigeria to Donald Trump
The Altercation Between Officer Yerima And The FCT Minister Wike: Nigerians Express Divergent Views
The Rise of Mamdani: Power Returns to the People
Return of Achaba in Kano Metropolis: Fact and Security threat.
A Governor on Guard: Gov. Yusuf’s Renewed Resolve to Secure Kano’s Frontline Communities
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