Why I can’t blame Jonathan entirely for Boko Haram insurgency – Buhari’s ex-aide

Former presidential media aide to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, has said he never held former President Goodluck Jonathan solely responsible for the Boko Haram insurgency that escalated during his administration.

Ahmad stated that security is a collective responsibility that goes beyond government efforts and requires the active participation of citizens, communities, traditional institutions, and religious leaders.

In a post on X on Saturday, the former presidential aide stressed that while governments are expected to provide leadership, resources and strategic direction, the task of securing communities cannot be left to government alone.

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“Even at the height of the Boko Haram insurgency, I did not place the blame entirely on the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan because I have long believed that the responsibility of securing our communities does not rest on the shoulders of government alone,” Ahmad wrote.

“Security is a shared responsibility that requires the active participation and commitment of every citizen.”

According to him, lasting peace and security can only be achieved when citizens work closely with security agencies and community leaders to prevent criminal activities.

He noted that communities, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and individuals all have important roles to play in safeguarding lives and property.

“Governments provide leadership and resources, but communities, traditional institutions, religious leaders and individuals all have vital roles to play,” he added.

Ahmad also urged Nigerians to support security agencies by providing credible and timely intelligence, stressing that criminals thrive when communities fail to cooperate with law enforcement authorities.

“We must support our security agencies with credible information and refuse to provide safe havens for criminals.

“Only through a united effort and a shared sense of responsibility can we restore lasting peace and ensure a safer future for our communities and our nation,” he said.

His comments come amid renewed national conversations on insecurity and the responsibilities of political leaders, security agencies and citizens in addressing terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country.