The new National Security Adviser (NSA), Col Sambo Dasuki (Rtd) has been given a task by President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure that Boko Haram sect’s menace is end before the beginning of Ramadan – the Islamic Holy month.
Moslems are expected to fast during the period, which is likely to begin on July 20.
It was reported in THE NATION that, Col. Dasuki (rtd), who was appointed this week, launched out yesterday on a visit to Yobe State, one of the hotbeds of the Islamist sect Boko Haram insurgency.
He met with religious and traditional leaders as well as the state government.
After meeting with Governor Ibrahim Gaidam in Damaturu, the state capital, Col. Dasuki said: “I was in Potiskum and what I saw is pathetic. I don’t see how anybody is benefitting out of this problem (bombings). The concern of the President is that we are approaching the Ramadan and he does not want the Umma to observe Ramadan under this crisis.
“The mandate is to come and commiserate with the state and put heads together, starting with an immediate ceasefire while other things follow.
“I know some of the complaints, like unemployment and lack of development etc.; all these things will not come unless there is peace.
“The Federal government will not build roads in Yobe unless, contractors come and contractors will not come if their lives are not safe. It’s a chicken and egg thing. Unless we stop the violence, we cannot start development. Unless we start development, we cannot start generating jobs. So, there will also be unemployment, which means there will always be recruits for whoever is doing this.
“But I am sure that with your leadership and your aid, we should be able to find a way out of this. Those achievements we have recorded are not enough. We must go back to the norm so that life will flourish because I don’t think anybody can achieve anything in this condition.”
Col. Dasuki added: “When I went to Potiskum, I told the Mai Fika (traditional ruler of the town) that as royal fathers, they must take it as a challenge to reach out to our people who are responsible for this crisis. If there is a feeling of lack of trust, they cannot distrust the rulers because he will not betray them and I will not betray the traditional rulers.
“I am committed to this course and whatever the agreement is, that is what I will implement. “
Gaidam said the emergency rule imposed on some local governments has so far cost the state about N1.2billion.
Gaidam said the emergency rule imposed on some local governments has so far cost the state about N1.2billion.
The governor said his administration spends N40 million monthly on logistics for the police. He did not quantify what he has been spending on the military.
He described Dasuki’s appointment as a clear sense of a new strategy in the fight against insecurity, adding that this shows that there is hope.
He described Dasuki’s appointment as a clear sense of a new strategy in the fight against insecurity, adding that this shows that there is hope.
“There is an indication that our hope, pride and identity as citizens of this great country would be restored,” Gaidam said.
He urged the Federal Government to deploy more troops in the state and the army to quickly take possession of the barracks at Kukareta, which has recently been provided with water and electricity by his administration.
The governor said his administration was ready to join hands with the Federal Government for lasting peace to the state.
“The option of dialogue and negotiation should be pursued as a priority, provided the insurgents are willing to accept the call for dialogue,” Gaidam said.
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