President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday restated his determination to bring to book the persons who have taken up arms against the country and have therefore contributed to the current level of instability across the nation.
The president said his administration would do everything possible to tackle the current security challenges in the country.
The president made the declaration in Abuja as he flagged off the First Progressives Youth Conference of the ruling All Progressives Congress, where he was represented by), Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Nigeria is currently passing through its worst peace-time security challenge, with armed gangs roaming the forests, neighbourhoods, schools, farmland, and highways, where they kidnap people for ransom. There are also clashes between farmers and cattle herdsmen, which has forced farmer away from their farms, threatening food security in the country.
There are also calls for independence by some ethnic groups, notably the Indigenous People of Biafra in the Southeast, and the Oduduwa Republic in the Southwest.
As the Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria’s armed forces, Buhari said he will stop at nothing to quell the rising insecurity in the country.
“As you are all aware, we are currently dealing with some internal security challenges and I will like to reassure you that as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, no effort will be spared in tackling them,” he told the Youth wing of his party.
“As I have repeatedly said in recent weeks, every criminal element that has taken up arms against the peace of the country and its citizens will be brought to book accordingly.”
He applauded APC’s Youth wing for organizing the conference and encouraged them to work for a better future for the party and the country. He further asked them to seize the current opportunity to put past unpleasant experiences and controversies behind them.
Buhari asked them “never despair, nor relent in our joint task of nation-building. Remember, we have no other country but Nigeria. It is the responsibility of every one of us to work towards the development and advancement of this country.”
While some people have accused him of marginalizing some sections of the country in his appointments, Buhari said that the impact of his administration is felt across the country.
“So far, all the policies initiatives, projects, and even appointments by this administration have been guided by equity and inclusiveness. There is actually no part of the country that has not been impacted positively in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture, and economic support initiative based on peculiarities of the regions,” he said.
