CAN: Nigeria’s Security Architecture is Compromised

*Sultan, Fayemi, others seek national dialogue on peace, unity
*FG pledges collaboration with religious, traditional rulers

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has again lamented the deteriorating security situation in the country, saying her security architecture has been compromised.

However, as part of activities marking its 45th anniversary celebration, CAN enjoined all Christians and non-Christians to observe a day of fasting and prayers nationwide against the menace of insecurity, economic predicaments and erosion of moral values.

This is as the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently convoke a national dialogue to discuss the peace and unity of Nigeria.

Similarly, the Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has urged all stakeholders in the polity to join hands in finding a common understanding and compromise that would proffer lasting solution to the killings, attacks social disharmony in the country.

In the same breath, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha,said federal government would support religious and traditional leaders to promote peace and unity in the country.

CAN, in an address delivered by its Assistant General Secretary and chairman of the planning committee of the 45th anniversary celebration, Mr. Biodun Sanyaolu, accused the federal government of mishandling the insecurity situation in the country by refusing to deal decisively with the Boko Haram terrorists, militant herdsmen and bandits

He said: “It is reprehensible that the security architecture of the country has been compromised. Terrorists are operating with impunity wherever and whenever they wanted. Our security agencies are giving us the impression that these terrorists, those operating in the northwest are named bandits by their friends and sympathisers.
“It appears there is a conspiracy and deceit going on with the Boko Haram, herdsmen and bandits. I was just sharing this with one of brothers before this meeting. I believe there is a way out if the government is sincere.

“When the attacks on our members began, it was only CAN that was crying out until they began to attack their fellow Muslims. Several thousands of our members were killed including the late CAN Chairman in Michika Local Government of Adamawa State.
“Today, Leah Sharibu is a face of the persecuted Christians in the country. Her only offence was her refusal to disown her faith. She was forced to join about 120 abducted Chibok schoolgirls, whose lives are being wasted in the den of the terrorists,” he said.

The Sultan, who spoke at the third quarterly meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) on Thursday in Abuja, warned that if urgent steps were not taken to reverse the trend, more people might be consumed by the activities of insurgents.
According to Sultan, the dialogue meeting should have in attendance traditional leaders, community leaders and religious leaders, as well as opinion leaders – people drawn from the political and business sectors and other persons, who matter in the affairs of Nigeria.

“Things are getting worst in Nigeria by the day especially, the security situation. Unfortunately, our military and intelligence agencies seem not to be doing enough to bring an end to the killings.

“It’s important we sit together and discuss the issues that concern this nation. Most times, we meet at NIREC, discuss issues and arrive at conclusion. Unfortunately, people would go about and be doing otherwise, particularly preaching hate and violence.

“We must be truthful to one another. What is so difficult in the President organising a dialogue that would have in attendance impressive participation of the traditional rulers, opinion leaders, market leaders, elder statesmen and every person that has something to contribute?

“We should look ourselves eyeball to eyeball and tell ourselves the truth. We shouldn’t be afraid of such conversation again because things are deteriorating. Dialogue is the best approach, because whatever cannot be achieved through dialogue will remain unachieved with violence”.

Mustapha, who gave assurances that President Buhari was not only fully aware of the insecurity situation in the country, but committed to bringing it to an end, contended that the present administration was doing everything possible to bequeath a safe and prosperous nation to the government.

“In fact, Mr. president is very concerned about the level of insecurity in the country and the the high cost of living. He is, however, working on how to resolve these issues in the shortest possible time.”

“The President will continue to give all necessary support to religious and traditional leaders to promote peace and unity in the country. I can assure you that the President is doing everything possible to bequeath a safe and prosperous nation to the next one.

“The President is very concerned about the level of insecurity and the high cost of living in Nigeria. He is working on how to resolve these challenges in the shortest possible time,” he said.

Also, the CAN President, Rev Samson Ayokunle, accused President Buhari of being sentimental and bias in his handling of insecurity and governance in the country.
He further alleged that the president was practicing “double standards,” by choosing which killings to react to and those he maintained silence from, as highlighted in the reference to the recent killings in Plateau, Nasarawa and Benue States.