How insecurity popularised Kanu, Igboho, by PGF DG

• FG charges Nigerians abroad on better projection of nation
Director-General of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Dr. Salihu Lukman, has offered reason for the popularity currently being enjoyed by Oduduwa and Biafra secessionist leaders, Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Adeyemo (aka Igboho).

In a piece entitled, Nigeria’s challenge and need for reorientation, he acknowledged that the duo warmed themselves into the heart of their admirers due to the security challenges besetting the country.

Insisting that much had been done to tackle the menace, Lukman regretted that opposition politicians were cashing in on the situation to belittle achievements of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration.

He argued that the two chief agitators have become cynosure of all eyes owing “absence of mobilisation programme to engage Nigerians to take responsibility in their different fields of endeavours in responding to challenges facing the country.”

The DG said: “For instance, take the case of insecurity, which is the most important threat to the survival of the country. As much as combative military operations against insurgency in all its manifestations – banditry, kidnappings, abductions, etc. – is fundamental to restoring order and protection of lives and property in the country, equally important is how Nigerians across all strata of social life are being mobilised to take responsibility in restoring order and guaranteeing security of life and property in every part of the federation.

“How is government working to raise awareness of Nigerians in terms of what to look out for as danger signals in our different communities? What kind of conducts by citizens, including community leaders constitute risk factors and therefore indicative of security challenges? What should be done, where and who to report to? What other initiatives should citizens take?

“Take some of the claims by religious and community leaders that insecurity in the country is directed against particular ethnic and religion groups. These are very treacherous narratives, which should be combated not through military operations, but civic engagements.”

Lukman continued: “Absence of engagements with religious and ethnic groups is creating more factors in the country that are disorientating and undermining the authority of conventional structures and representatives of Nigerian society, including non-governmental institutions. In their place, unaccountable and self-appointed leaders are emerging and culture of public blackmails against conventional structures and representatives is becoming rampant in the country.”

ALSO yesterday, Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, appealed to Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) to counter Nigeria’s portrayal in bad light by secessionist groups, insurgents and anarchists.

He made the call when he received members of NIDO, UK chapter in Abuja.

The minister urged the organisation to leverage its contacts in government circle, parliamentary groups and global think tanks to change the narrative.

In his remarks, the body’s chairman, Chibuzo Ubochi, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for gazetting every July 25 as National Diaspora Day.

He charged the National Assembly to speedily pass a legislation that would enable Nigerians abroad vote and be voted for during elections owing to their numerous contributions to the nation’s economy.