BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – Former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), has taken a critical look at the insecurity situation in the country, saying that there are some basic things the Federal Government need to put right.
General Babangida said that it is time for the government to agree to sit down and think over certain things to achieve greater success.
He stressed the need for the Federal Government to train and equip military personnel with modern weapons in order to tackle insecurity.
The former president said he has been engaging and advising the Federal Government on sensitive national issues without making such public, adding however that it is imperative for the citizens to support government and the military if the incidences of insecurity is to be effectively curbed.
According to General Babangida; “Nigerian soldiers need modern weapons and 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. Provide them with all they require and let them know this is their country. They have no other better than this.
“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 three 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.
“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,” General Babangida enthused.
