Badaru warns mischief-makers against instilling fear in Nigerians

The Minister of Defence Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, has warned that the armed forces will not tolerate mischief-makers seeking to instill fear in Nigerians.

Musa stated this while delivering a keynote at the Third National Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) in Abuja on Tuesday.

It was reported that the theme of this year’s two-day conference is “Strategic Solutions for Good Governance, Food Security, and Sustainable Growth in Nigeria.”

Badaru represented by his Special Adviser, Technical, Ahmed Jibrin said:”the armed forces will not relent in bringing all enemies of Nigeria to justice”.

He assured Nigerians of the armed forces’ commitment to provide security in order to boost food security in the country.

“The Nigerian government is mindful of the fact that food security is a very fundamental aspect of human rights.

“No nation can strive if the citizens are hungry or insecure. In Nigeria, we are blessed with vast agricultural resources. Yet, still face the challenges in feeding our people.

“With the commitment and determination that I saw during my tour of the nation, I am confident that we are on course to food security in the country,” he said.

The minister expressed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to the welfare and security of Nigerians.

Badaru said that Tinubu had demonstrated his commitment in the efforts made to provide reliefs amidst economic instability to various programmes touching on sectors such as agriculture, trade, education, health, transportation, and security measures.

The minister urged citizens to support the security agencies by boasting their morale to discharge their duties.

Badaru called on leaders to foster dialogue and develop actionable solutions that promote peace, stability, and economic growth across the country.

He also charged leaders on inclusivity and decisions that reflect the will of the citizens as well ensure that their needs were met.

“Accordingly, we all must advocate for accessibility and inclusivity in leadership, where collectively all voices are valued and public resources are utilised prudently and generously.

“Embracing transparent and accountable leadership is essential for fostering development which is closely linked to security and stability.

“Therefore, achieving good governance requires a decisive inclusivity of all ideas regardless of background or status as they deserve.

“In addition, we must leverage technology to enhance governance by facilitating greater citizens engagement, and combating corruption in Nigeria.

“Nigeria is a nation of resilient and compassionate people, placed by God, and we must never take this for granted,” he said.

Badaru, however, said that to squarely address food insecurity, there was need for a concentrated approach.

This according to him include investing in agriculture, research and innovation, providing farmers with necessary tools and resources.

In his remarks, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje called for a review of the Constitution to add specific roles for deputy governors.

Ganduje, who defined the concept of deputy as very controversial, however, said that both the governor and the deputy assist each other in all areas of governance.

“Nobody can do it alone. We have to share responsibility. I know there is a controversy that deputy governors should have a prescribed function in the constitution.

“Let me remember, vice-principal has some functions as stated by the constitution, but for deputy governors, there is no specification of anything whatsoever.

“His function is what is being assigned to him by the principal. I think these are issues that we continue to deliberate on.

“Probably, if the review of the constitution, maybe, certain paragraphs can be included in favour of the deputy governor,” he said.

Ganduje advised the forum to continue to maintain their sprit of esprit de corps for the forum to continue to grow from strength to strength.