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Insecurity: Give soldiers modern weapons, training ― IBB

Published

3 years ago

May 16, 2021

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Former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida ( IBB) has expressed concern over the state of insecurity in Nigeria, saying he advises government on the matter, but does not make noise about it.

He said it is imperative for the citizens to support government and our soldiers in order to bring an end to the crisis. The former President, who called on the government to equip the soldiers with modern weapons and the necessary training, spoke in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored on Sunday.

Commenting further on insecurity, he said it has become necessary for citizens and government to synergize and work together. On whether our politicians are playing the desired role in bringing an end to insecurity, he said there are many things they have to put right.

“If they agree to sit down and think over, I believe success will be achieved,” he said.

When asked further on things to put right, he said it is important to rally round the soldiers and other security agents, support them and let them know the citizens are behind them.

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“Provide them with all they require and let them know this is their country, they’ve no other country better than this.”

Asked if he believes that Nigerian soldiers need modern weapons, he said yes, they do.

“They also need to be trained on how to use the modern weapons, not to get weapons and just hand over to them. They should be trained.”

On whether he has ever advised the Federal Government on ways to end insecurity, he said, “we give advice, as we can..but we don’t make noise about it. We don’t announce that this is what we say.” “We should unite, we should support those in power, we are all working towards achieving the same goal.

“Between the leaders and citizens, we need peace and a harmonious relationship.” ” This problem of insecurity, every government had its experience… but if we unite..I remember how we fought the civil war for 3 years, the people supported the government, the government did its best, bought what was necessary, those who fought were made to understand that this country is the best for them.

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“It’s not only in Nigeria, many countries encountered this kind of problem, some had it for ten years, but through concerted effort, they are out of it. I believe we can get out of this problem.”

“Both citizens and those governing are trying, but we should know that it is not an easy task,” he said.

Related Topics:Babangida Insecurity Soldiers

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JUST IN: Tinubu, Shettima to pay toll at airport gates

Published

6 mins ago

May 14, 2024

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President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima will now pay the required toll whenever they use the gates at airports.

Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation, announced this to journalists after the federal executive council (FEC) meeting chaired by Tinubu at the presidential villa in Abuja on Tuesday.

Keyamo said he presented two memos which were approved by the council.

Details later…

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Tinubu suspends 0.5% cybersecurity levy

Published

15 mins ago

May 14, 2024

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President Bola Tinubu has suspended the 0.5 percent cybersecurity levy after criticism and protest trailed the announcement.

Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, announced the suspension.

Idris said Tinubu directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to suspend the implementation and review the modalities for its implementation.

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Minister to sue Niger speaker over plans to ‘marry off’ 100 girls, says it’s ‘totally unacceptable’

Published

7 hours ago

May 14, 2024

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Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, minister of women affairs, has petitioned the inspector-general of police (IGP) and sought a court injunction to halt the marriage of 100 girls in Niger state.

Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, speaker of the Niger state house of assembly, announced last week that he would sponsor the wedding of 100 girls, some of whom were orphaned by insurgency, as part of his Maringa constituency project.

He said he had procured materials for the event scheduled for May 24, and promised to pay dowries for the bridegrooms.

Following the outcry that trailed the announcement, the speaker explained that he was only financing the wedding — not forcing the girls into marriage.

However, Kennedy-Ohanenye said the plan is unacceptable, and that the future of the girls should be a priority.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, the minister said a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the issue will be carried out.

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She said the ministry will take responsibility for the girls’ education and vocational training.

“I want to let the honorable speaker of house in Niger state know that this is totally unacceptable by Federal Minister Of Women Affairs and by the government,” Kennedy-Ohanenye said.

“Because there is something called the Child’s Right Act and I said it from the onset, that is no more business as usual.

“These children must be considered, their future must be considered, the future of the children to come out of their marriage must be considered.

“So I have gone to court. I have written him a letter and written a petition to the IG of police.

“And I have filed for injunction to stop him from whatever he is planning to do on the 24th, until a thorough investigation is carried out on those girls, find out whether they gave their consent, their ages, find out the people marrying them.

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“As the speaker did not think about empowering these women or sending them to school or giving them some kind of training support financially.

“The women affairs have decided to take it up and we are going to educate the children.

“Those that do not want to go to school, we will train them in a skill, empower them with sustainable empowerment machines to enable that child build his or her life and make up her mind who and when to get married.

“If for any reason the speaker tries to do contrary to what I have just mentioned, there will be a serious legal battle between him and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.”

The minister added that based on the Child Rights Act, every child belongs to the state, hence the rights of every child will be protected from harm and violence.