- Says Buhari remains best for Nigeria
BY EMEZIE ONYEKACHI, ENUGU – The Director General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr Osita Okechukwu has warned that current grandstanding by some political actors over insecurity may have grave consequences on the nation’s political future if not properly handled.
This is as he challenged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and well-meaning Nigerians to join President Muhammadu Buhari to fight insecurity and rescue Nigerians from the agonies and pains inflicted on them by some unscrupulous elements.
Mr Okechukwu said instead of always reeling out ‘unnecessary and inaccurate’ statistics in the public space, political leaders and stakeholders must work on assisting the federal government to fight insecurity, stressing that such moves present positives away from the ugly situation where the deaths in Nigeria are readily compared to events happening in Afghanistan and Iraq.
He said perception in some circles that President Buhari is not doing enough to stop the killings does not represent the true picture, adding; “Am on good note that President Buhari is quietly deploying all means necessary to stop the insecurity in the land.”
The Director General explained that among the measures taken by government include deployment of Mission Critical Communications System (MCCS) by Motorola Solutions of Illinois, United States of America, noting that the equipment is meant to provide critical information and boost the operational efficiency of all the security agencies in the country.
He hinted that the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mr Babagana Monguno and Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu, are working hard on the measures to address Nigeria’s existing and emerging security challenges.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Chieftain described as unfortunate statements on killings in Nigeria, credited to Atiku Abubakar while formally declaring his presidential ambition on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s platform in Yola on Saturday.
Speaking to reporters in Enugu, the VON boss said the statistics by Alhaji Atiku were not only ‘inaccurate’ but also ‘unnecessary’, stressing; “What is important is how to stop the killings; we need cooperation, prayers, information and assistance to the government.
“Otherwise, Wikipedia reported from credible sources that Iraqi death toll of over 500,000 persons since US led invasion of 2003, about 5,000 of who are US Service men,’’ he said.
Expressing outrage, like most Nigerians, over the spate of killings through herdsmen/farmers clashes, banditaries, militias, and Boko Haram among others, Mr Okechukwu Okechukwu said; “President Muhammadu Buhari I must confess is very sad over the killings.
“His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, Turaki of Adamawa statistics are unnecessary and inaccurate, for one death is painful.
“At any rate his statistics and can be best dubbed campaign hype if not fake news, when the real statistics are assembled. Iraqi casualty is over 500,000.”
According to him, “The cardinal question in all honesty is can Turaki stop the insecurity without the cooperation of international security agencies, especially that of the United States?’’
Okechukwu urged Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliations, to join hands with the President to fight insecurity in the country, rather than harping on insecurity a campaign issue.
He maintained that ahead of the 2019 general elections, President Buhari still remains the best among those currently parading themselves as aspirants to the nation’s number position.
