The Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, former Senate President Pius Anyim Pius, and other political figures have commended President Bola Tinubu‘s effort to end insecurity in the country.
Speaking at a public lecture organised by Arewa Think Tank (ATT), Abubakar stated that insecurity has decreased in the North, citing examples of farmers returning to their farms in Birnin Gwari and fewer attacks along major highways.
Additionally, Anyim praised Tinubu’s government for engaging citizens and promoting accountability, while Yakubu asserted that Nigeria is not a failed state and that Tinubu’s reforms will stimulate economic growth.
The leaders’ comments emerged amidst ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, including Boko Haram insurgency and banditry.
The defence minister said, “We from the North have been telling our people that President Bola Tinubu has been part and parcel of us. I have been walking into his bedroom while Lagosians wait for him, keeping watch until he comes out. He is a man of respect and honour. He is truly the Asiwaju of Nigeria, and his handshake cuts across the country. This government is our government. Asiwaju is our man. Today, banditry attacks have reduced in the North, especially most of us from Kaduna State can bear me witness that farmers have returned to the farms in Birnin Gwari, and people can now go to the market in Birnin Gwari. No longer attack along Zaria-Funtua-Gusau. I could go on and on. We are not saying that insecurity is over, but we are almost there”.
On his part, Anyim said, “I want to say that whatever it takes and wherever in life it takes to celebrate Nigeria, I will be there, I will be part of it, and I will be proud of it. This event aims to enhance citizens’ engagement with the government on key policies, programs, and activities. It may be needful to emphasise that the policies, programs, and activities of President Tinubu Bola’s administration are captured under the Renewed Hope Agenda. The Renewed Hope Agenda can therefore be described as the totality of all policies and programs of President Bola’s administration.
“I must say at this point that the government’s engagement is fundamental to the success of every policy and program of government. It is through this process that the government can secure the binding and understanding of the citizens for the citizens to truly survive”, he added.
Stressing further, the former Senate President remarked, “I support such programs and therefore commend this initiative as one way to strengthen our democracy and stabilise our politics. I must therefore add that it is only an accountable government that engages the community. If the
President and his base government at the federal level and even at the state level were not sure of what they were doing, they would not be reluctant or forward to give account of their devotion to the people”.
He said, “This is government engagement. It is federal to ensure that the government and the people are in tandem and understand each other to make sure that the policies and programs are accepted”.
Meanwhile, in his own address, the convener of the one-day summit, and founder of the Arewa Think Tank, Mohammed Alhaji Yakubu, noted that despite the challenges facing the country, Nigeria is not a failed state.
According to him, the tough reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu are intended to put the nation on the path of economic growth, saying, “Tinubu is the man who will take the country to the promised land.
Yakubu asserted that what we are witnessing today is physical discipline on our economy, and given enough time, the impact of the reforms—especially in agriculture and oil—will have a direct effect on the people and farmers.
He insisted: “As we celebrate our independence anniversary, we have to remain vigilant on the recent veil attempt by the enemies of the country to draw us back. Despite our challenges, Nigeria is not a failed state”.
