TEXT OF WORLD PRESS BRIEFING HELD IN KADUNA ON THURSDAY JANUARY 30, 2020
By: Northern Youth Economic Growth Group (NYEGG)
WE RESIST ATTEMPTS TO TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACKWARDS THROUGH CREATING INSTABILITY IN MILITARY LEADERSHIP
Gentleman of the press, it has become necessarY to hold this very important press briefing in view of the recent unsavory developments in our our beloved country Nigeria.
Let’s refresh your memories of the horrific past before the present service chiefs took over in 2015 whereby no fewer than 18 local government areas in Nigeria were under the firm control of rampaging terrorists threatening the peace, security and sovereignty of our country Nigeria. The situation was so bad that economic, social, religious and political activities were paralysed so much that markets, churches and mosques, functioning of local government authorities were totally paralysed in Borno, Yobe and some parts of Adamawa States.
It was an experience nigerians would never wish to experience again.
Recall that places of worship were being bombed with reckless abandon in major cities like Kaduna, Niger, and Kano among others, with the nation’s capital Abuja not left out of the horror.
We recall a trending picture then of a small boy of about six to seven years being scanned by security agencies before entering a mosque, a traumatic happening we are willing to experience again.
Such is our fear, hence, we received with surprise, calls by some Dis/Honourable members of Nigerian House of Representatives and the Senate calling for the resignation of the President and replacement of service chiefs in the country for the so called failure to contain the insurgency and banditry activities across the nation.
This is because, we, as a professional group which comprises different professionals from the 19 Northern states of Nigeria, we strongly feel dismayed that the improved security situation, our commercial and other economic activities of our region is stabilizing rapidly after its devastation by Boko Haram terrorists group made the region to crawl on its knees is about to be resonated because of unjustified criticisms against the troops and military leadership in Nigeria. Those staking their lives in Defence of the nation need to be supported and not to be vilified because doing so will distract them and dampen their morale which will slow down the tempo of Counter terrorism and banditry activities in Nigeria.
Similarly, as professional groups, we are perturbed that selfish, unpatriotic politicians, whom may be somehow instrumental to the security quagmire we are in and whom may be gaining from insecurity are whipping up Sentiments that could bring about ill feelings, distraction and setbacks in our collective national efforts to end terrorism, insurgency and banditry in our nation.
We are all living witnesses to the fact that before the present Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai took over command of the Nigerian Army for example, several territories were in the control of the then dreaded Boko Haram, who even in daring terms, declared some territories under their control as caliphate and conquered areas, with Gwoza in Borno State serving as their administrative capital.
Today, Gwoza is safe and liberated as attested by the Emir of Gwoza. This is a strong pointer to the impressive efforts of the security agencies especially the Nigerian Army under the dynamic and committed leadership of Lt Gen TY Buratai.
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It would be Recall that Gwoza, only weeks ago, hosted two major Army regimental activities including the Medal Parade and Nigerian Army Social Activities popularly known as WASA, thereby showing the peaceful and stable nature of the area.
During his operational visit to the North East and his team traversed from Yola, Madagali, Gwoza, Pulka, Banki Junction, Bama and Konduga upto Maiduguri by road where at each major locations he addressed or sensitized the troops on the necessity for them to continue to remain committed and patriotically sustain the war against terrorism and insurgency in the North East zone. At one instance, General Buratai had to climb to the peak of the Gwoza Hills, where he saw and interacted with troops that are taking charge of the mountain to avoid terrorists using it to their strategic advantage.
It is also on record, that as a result of various innovations of the COAS, several parts of the country which were hitherto in serious security risks are now peaceful and safe and routine businesses and normal activities are thriving.
We are also proud of the feats achieved by the Nigerian Air Force under the current dispensation, inspired by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Siddique which has further decimated the insurgents through targeted air strikes on a regular basis.
Only recently, the rampaging armed bandits in Niger State have gone into hiding, following orders by President Muhammadu Buhari that the Nigerian Air Force should go after them.
Our water ways have also been calm of recent, unlike in the past when rampaging militants and sea pirates held it hostage, kidnapping for ransom on the high sea, thanks to the Nigerian Navy.
Along the Kaduna Abuja Highway, kidnappers who were having a field day have disappeared or highly reduced owing to the anti kidnapping squad assembled by the Inspector General of Police, which is highly commendable.
It is also important to remind us that various militant groups who were daring the Army and Nigerian navy in the South South zone, from where Nigeria gets most of its revenue have fizzled out, thanks to the Operation Crocodile Smile, our pipelines and crude oil installations are safe, giving the country unrestricted access to crude oil exploration, which has benefited the entire country.
Let’s not also forget that for decades, the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) held several hostage and were lords in several areas, with residents of Zaria living in perpetual fears of their activities. Today, the story has changed despite selfish, mischievous misinformation from certain quarters.
Similarly, the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), that consistently threatened the peace and security of Nigeria, were silenced through Operation Python Dance.
In the North Central, clashes between the herdsmen and farmers which also affected the country’s economy and food security has been checked, through sheer determination of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in ensuring that security of lives and prosperity in the zone.
We therefore, appeal to the Senate, politicians of what ever shades and other anti government forces or detractors to let the leadership of the military continue its good work to keep the nation safe. Remember, no country is conflict or crime free. What is important at the level of the nation and her security agencies is to contain the situation to a manageable proportion. We also feel that casting aspersions and criticisms will never improve the security situation in Nigeria. All that is needed now is mutual cooperation and support to slate the insurgency, Banditry and all other major security challenges facing Nigeria.
Long Live Northern Youth Economic Growth Group!
Long Live Northern Nigeria!
Long Live Nigeria!
Signed
National Secretary
National President
