Don’t downplay security challenges in Borno, Kalu cautions Minister

…asks Idris to consult with Zulum, NSA, others

Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has cautioned the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, not to downplay the issues raised by the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, regarding the security challenges in Borno and, by extension, the North-East states.

The Senate Chief Whip gave the admonition on Monday via a viral video.

Senator Kalu noted that Borno is losing ground to insurgents and urged the Information Minister to consult with Governor Zulum, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff, rather than playing politics with a dire security situation.

He also raised the alarm that the South-East states face imminent danger from terrorists.

He said: “The Minister of Information is doing his job, but Professor Zulum is right. I am almost from Borno State.

“If the Federal Government doesn’t take the right step in Borno State and the South-East, those areas might collapse.

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“I want to believe Professor Zulum that the security situation is deteriorating every day, so we need to step up, especially in the South-East.

“Our South-East governors are doing their best to fight insurgency. I would like the Federal Government to step up security in the South-East because it’s a gateway for people transporting goods from the ports and refineries.

“For me, Professor Zulum and the Minister don’t need to argue. These are fundamental issues. If we don’t tell President Tinubu the truth, the place will be ungovernable.

“So, it is better we tell him the truth about the condition of the insecurity situation in Nigeria. Our Nigerian Army has been doing its best, and I congratulate them, especially the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector General of Police, and other security chiefs, for all the efforts they have been putting in.

“The Federal Government needs to invest more resources, equipment, and attention into Borno State and the South-East. We cannot play politics with insecurity; we should take the art of governance very seriously.”

He maintained that the Information Minister must always consult widely to enable him to speak from a position of knowledge on security matters.

“No governor or president wants his people to die, so I urge the Minister of Information to tone down some of the statements he is making about insecurity and to also consult the Chief of Army Staff and the Inspector General of Police.

“The National Security Adviser has also been on top of his game, but people should stop making statements without consulting the security agencies.

“The DSS will continue to provide information. I believe Tosin is very capable—he is a young lad who is capable. We can rid the country of all these criminals and build our economy to be strong.

“Let us stop politics and concentrate on the economy of Nigeria. President Tinubu has done his best; let’s support him to build our economy together.”

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE