Victor EzejaNigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has reiterated the need for strong collaboration in fighting the evil forces causing security crises in different parts of the country especially the Northern region.
Prof. Osinbajo made the call at the 8th Sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation Memorial Lecture where he was invited as a special guest of honour on Tuesday in Kano.
According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Laolu Akande, Osinbajo stated that even though the country is being ravaged by some evil forces in contemporary history, the Buhari administration is firmly resolved to resist and defeat them, asserting that “it is a fight we are determined to win. And we know that by the grace of God, all of these evil forces will be completely exterminated.”
This, the Vice President said can only be achieved when there is a tough, collaborative resistance, against the enemy forces, and noted that without it “neither the glorious legacies of the past nor the future our children will inherit, is immune to the unchecked onslaught.”
He further stated that it was because of that reason that the president has been emphasizing the need to engage traditional institutions in ensuring lasting peace and security in the country, adding that the Federal Government has deepened its partnership with traditional institutions on several fronts, as they were more familiar with the local environment in terms of providing valuable intelligence to state authorities for combating criminalities.
His words, “many communities, the military and law enforcement agencies are partnering with local age-grade groups, hunters, and various associations under the sanction of the traditional leadership.
“The Federal Government has remained resolute in the fight against terrorists and insurgents. Recent efforts have focused on deploying technology for surveillance, intelligence gathering and attack.
“We will also continue to encourage collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Justice, their State counterparts, and law enforcement, to ensure that those who have been apprehended for terrorism and violent crimes are effectively prosecuted.”
Speaking on the theme of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation lecture, titled “Reviving the Northern Traditional Institutions: Imperative for Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria,” Prof. Osinbajo underscored the influential role of traditional institutions and leaders as bridge-builders in communities in order to effectively tackle security challenges and promote peace and unity.
The VP further noted that traditional institutions complement democracy in building a more inclusive and peaceful society. He cited the Northern Nigeria Emirate system as example, describing it as “a well-structured institution with a network of community leaders who helped sustain peace and security throughout their domains,” adding that “the extensive influence within the existing Northern traditional leadership is urgently needed today more than ever.”
“In today’s world, the continued existence of these traditional institutions and communal sensibilities, side by side with the machinery of our modern democracy, gives us an advantage that we must invoke. The moral and legal frameworks of this entrenched structural duality allow us to be able to tackle problems, like insecurity, holistically,” the VP added.
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Dwelling on the partnership between government at the Federal and State levels and traditional rulers, the VP disclosed that traditional institutions have also been a key part of the conception and execution of the administration’s initiatives such as the Social Investment Programmes, and the National Livestock Transformation Plan.
Prof. Osinbajo urged political and traditional leaders to shun divisive politics and sentiments in order to build a strong and stable nation. He observed that when traditional leaders throw their moral weight behind progressive causes, positive things happen in the communities.
In his remarks at the event, Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje said Vice President Osinbajo has carved a niche for himself in the task of nation-building, national integration, “as well as remaining a bridge builder.
VP Pays Condolence Visits to Families of Late Dr Tofa, Sheikh Bamba, Alhaji Naif
While in Kano, the Vice President also paid condolence visits to the families of the former presidential candidate, late Dr. Bashir Tofa, renowned Islamic scholar, late Sheikh Ahmad Bamba of BUK and community leader, the late Alhaji Hassan Naif.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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