₦airaland Forum

By Gift Habib

President Bola Tinubu has restated that restoring peace, strengthening national security and improving economic opportunities remain the central priorities of his administration.

The President’s message was delivered in Lokoja on Sunday at the memorial of former Kogi State Governor, Prince Abubakar Audu, by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

Idris, in a statement signed by his media aide Rabiu Ibrahim, told attendees that the Federal Government under Tinubu is fully committed to confronting threats to national stability.

“We are under no illusions about the recent setbacks and security challenges that have tested our nation’s resolve.

"Let me be unequivocal: the security and welfare of every Nigerian remain the sacred priority of my government. We have therefore taken decisive action,” he said.

The minister noted that the recently declared State of Emergency on national security represents a renewed push to expand manpower, modernise intelligence, and implement strategic reforms, including the advancement of State Police.

According to him, “The recent Declaration of a State of Emergency on national security underscores the gravity with which we view this challenge. This is not a mere proclamation; it is a declaration of war against all forms of insecurity.

"As part of this, we have immediately begun the process of expanding the capacity of our armed forces and security agencies in numbers, in advanced weaponry, and in intelligence capabilities.

“We will hunt the enemies of our state wherever they may be and restore the peace that is the rightful inheritance of every Nigerian.”

Idris added that reforming the security structure is key to achieving lasting peace.

“To secure our people permanently, we must reform the very architecture of our security. This is why my administration is courageously championing the establishment of a State Police Force.

"We believe that a more localised, community-sensitive security structure is vital to complement the valiant efforts of our national forces. It will also boost employment in the grassroots.

“This is a bold, necessary constitutional step, one that requires our collective will, and we are committed to seeing it through,” he said.

He also stated that the Federal Government is intensifying diplomatic engagement to counter false narratives about Nigeria’s religious harmony.

Reflecting on the legacy of the late Audu, Tinubu described him as a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s democratic development.

“We are gathered to honour a giant- a man whose name is irrevocably woven into the very fabric of our democratic journey.

“Prince Abubakar Audu was not just a politician; he was a pathfinder. As the first democratically elected Governor of Kogi State, first in 1992 and again as a pioneer in 1999, Prince Audu carved out a vision for Kogi State and helped lay the foundation for our nation’s enduring democracy,” he said.

Tinubu also recalled their political relationship. “He was my formidable ally, a brother in the struggle, and one of the founding fathers who, with courage and conviction, laid the foundations upon which our democratic ideals now stand.

“His legacy is not a relic of the past; it is a living, breathing template of bold leadership and transformative governance. It is a template this administration is committed to honouring, not just in words, but in concrete action.”

The President highlighted reform efforts across the economy, including moves to modernise livestock farming.

“We are launching a comprehensive initiative to modernise the livestock industry.

"This includes the creation of large-scale ranching schemes, improved animal husbandry, and the integration of the livestock value chain into our national economy. Our goal is to transform this critical sector from a source of tension into a bastion of prosperity.”

Tinubu added that through the Social Investment Programmes, his administration aims to strengthen support for vulnerable citizens, small businesses and young people. He also pointed to ongoing infrastructure expansion, saying, “We are building the arteries that will connect our markets, power our industries, and unite our people.

"Your Excellency and the good people of Kogi State, the legacy of development Prince Audu began in Kogi is a model we are determined to replicate and scale across the nation.”

The event was attended by political leaders, family members and supporters of the late governor.

The renewed statements on security come amid a fresh wave of kidnappings in Niger and Kebbi states. Recently, armed men abducted staff and students of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara LGA of Niger State — just days after 25 students were kidnapped in Maga, Kebbi State.

In response to the escalating situation, Tinubu cancelled scheduled trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate the government’s security strategy, while several northern states have temporarily closed schools as abductions persist.

https://punchng.com/tinubu-pledges-to-tackle-insecurity-honours-late-kogi-gov/

"Stealing the village drum may be easy, but finding a place to beat it peacefully is the problem".

Na the dilemma wey Bola Ahmed Tinubu dey face do be that!

Just call international community for help.

US will help you free of charge

Make we pray for Nigeria and shun hypocrisy/bigotry! Some of us don't even want progress for Nigeria and themselves just to spite BAT against their preferred candidate!

Tinubu is worse than Buhari 10 times and over

Always pledging....cho cho cho president...who doesn't show workings...tuueeeh🤧

biggz82:
Just call international community for help.

US will help you free of charge

Let them help us as they did Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine and co!

May God give the president power, unction, and above all WISDOM to deal with all the challenges he's facing...namely; Economic challenges in his first two years, and now, terrorism challenges in the northern part of Nigeria in the third year of his presidency.

Join me say .... Amen

Sensitivity:
You can't give what you don't have.

Please tell us another story, you kept on make excuses and promises. Sentencing the innocent man to life in prison will definitely destroy us all. For those aboki clapping and happy I see u all going down

AntiChristian:
Make we pray for Nigeria and shun hypocrisy/bigotry! Some of us don't even want progress for Nigeria and themselves just to spite BAT against their preferred candidate!

We have been praying and God had sent us an answer [the US] but APC apologists, terror!sts & their supporters said no. And I'm sure you are part of those resisting Trump's move.

Oya give us prayer points that we should pray

Tinubu will keep promising till after 8 years, just like Buhari and osibanjo did.
Bayo will keep lying just like femi adeshina and lie Muhammed did

AntiChristian:
Make we pray for Nigeria and shun hypocrisy/bigotry! Some of us don't even want progress for Nigeria and themselves just to spite BAT against their preferred candidate!

It doesnt matter if you spite or not. Let him do his job. Public officers all over the world are criticised

Tinubu will do everything to restore peace in the Northern region of Nigeria but left for me, he should tackle the people bringing the unrest to their people and ensuring that they're well punished for unpatriotic practices....

He is still pledging when masses are being killed on daily basis. This man is truly a dangerous man who cares only about himself.

AntiChristian:
Make we pray for Nigeria and shun hypocrisy/bigotry! Some of us don't even want progress for Nigeria and themselves just to spite BAT against their preferred candidate!

You sound like a Batist. Bat deserves even more lampooning than this. Remember, he was much more hard on Jonathan back then. Now he is there doing far worse than the former

You will Pledge to Nigeria your country taya, baba 1%

geoworldedu:
You sound like a Batist. Bat deserves even more lampooning than this. Remember, he was much more hard on Jonathan back then. Now he is there doing far worse than the former

Far worse? You mean the same Jonathan that caused Dieziani-gate just like Abacha-gate?

Abeg!

Is it different from the pledge he made when he was sworn in?
Or, has his inaugural oath expired?
Pledge ko, Comedy ni!

Some people wants to k1ll, rape, kidnapp as many Nigerians as possible, so as to force their way into Aso Rock. And they say they want to save Nigerians. Their tribal foot soldiers are now killing and kidnapping just because of them. One man from the East also joined them because his interest is not saving Nigeria but taking power

AntiChristian:
Far worse? You mean the same Jonathan that caused Dieziani-gate just like Abacha-gate?

Abeg!

You can see you are one of those who don't want progress for Nigeria when you can't even be truthful to yourself, to Nigerians and Nigeria...

MetaMatrix:
Some people wants to k1ll, rape, kidnapp as many Nigerians as possible, so as to force their way into Aso Rock. And they say they want to save Nigerians. Their tribal foot soldiers are now killing and kidnapping just because of them. One man from the East also joined them because his interest is not saving Nigeria but taking power

Are you saying that was what Tinubu, Shettima and Buhari did to take over from from Jonathan?

Safe guard the ones alive, no

Na to dey honour the dead ones

Partner with America to flush out terrorists, America too hate terrorists, we have common interests in fighting terrorists. America have satellite mapping geographical systems, they can see the terrorists as they move and send drones to send them to their virgins.

I heard Alqeada is now in northern Nigeria, this is America's enemy, take advantage now and use America high technology and weaponry to destroy and annihilate terrorists and jihadists.

AntiChristian:
Make we pray for Nigeria and shun hypocrisy/bigotry! Some of us don't even want progress for Nigeria and themselves just to spite BAT against their preferred candidate!

Now na prayer una need

Did Tinubu love Nigeria when he told Jonathan to resign??

I commend the president for his commitment to addressing the current security situation. The introduction of state police will greatly enhance our ability to combat crime. The recent kidnappings are disheartening, but I believe with the right strategies, we can turn the tide.

Rest in peace to the late Prince Abubakar Audu.

Buhari and INEC ran James Faleke Street, fear Igbira and Igala people.

The new security measures would soon be revealed.