Lawan, COAS seek monarchs’, religious leaders’ support on war against insecurity

The Senate President, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Farouq Yahaya, have appealed to Nigerians not to abandon the Federal Government in the fight against bandits, terrorists and kidnappers. 

They urged religious and traditional leaders to unite, saying whether the problem is predominant in the Northwest, Northeast, Southwest or Southeast, all stakeholders must work together to resolve the challenges. 

Making veiled references to the issue of terrorism and kidnapping across the country’s six geopolitical zones, Lawan and Yahaya, in separate remarks, called on the people to see security as a collective issue that must be fought together.

They spoke, yesterday, at Iyin Ekiti, during the conferment of Akorewolu of Iyin Ekiti chieftaincy title on the Senate President, by Oluyin, Oba Adeola Adeniyi Ajakaye.

Lawan, who represents Yobe North, stormed the town with over 30 senators, including Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, who donated a coaster bus to the Oluyin-in-Council.

Lawan, who thanked the monarch for the honour, said: “Now, we are facing security challenges all over the country. Political, religious and traditional leaders must come together. Whether the problem is predominant in the Northwest or Northeast or Southwest or East, all hands must be on the deck to resolve all these challenges.” 

Lawan described Bamidele as a reliable politician, who values integrity, propriety, professionalism and the country’s development, especially Ekiti State.
 
“Senate had passed a bill establishing Medical University in Iyin Ekiti through a bill sponsored by Bamidele. I will make sure I lobby President Muhammadu Buhari to assent to the bill so that the university can take off in time.”

Also speaking about the dreaded insecurity situation facing Nigeria, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Farouq Yahaya, said the Nigerian Army is working tirelessly to secure the nation, by containing the activities of terrorists and bandits, killing and kidnapping the citizens, thereby subjecting the nation to unnecessary chaos and panic.

While addressing his constituents, Bamidele said he would continue to work hard to attract dividends of democracy to the state.

Bamidele applauded Senate leadership for the glowing passion to bring development to the country’s 109 senatorial districts.