Amid growing concerns over escalating insecurity in the country, Abia North Lawmaker, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has urged the Government to take immediate action to combat this pressing issue.
In light of the current situation, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on South-East Development Commission advocated for increased investment in security agencies. Kalu emphasised that the nation must confront its insecurity challenges without politicising the matter, highlighting the deteriorating realities on the ground.
Speaking from China through a video posted on his social media page, Kalu called for decisive measures to tackle the ongoing crisis. He referenced the recent alarm sounded by Borno State Governor Zulum regarding the worsening security situation in his state, where areas have reportedly been lost to insurgents. Kalu cautioned that if urgent action is not taken, Borno and the Southeast may ultimately fall prey to terrorists.
The former Abia Governor expressed discontent with the politicisation of insecurity, attributing this trend to political leaders. He asserted, “Security is a very serious issue which should not be politicised.”
Kalu also implored Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, not to downplay the concerns raised by Governor Zulum. Instead, he urged the Minister to inform the President about the true state of security in the country.
He stated, “The Minister of Information is doing his job but Professor Zulum is right. I am almost from Borno State. If the Federal Government doesn’t take the right steps in Borno State and the Southeast, those areas might collapse. I want to believe Professor Zulum that the security situation is deteriorating every day, so we need to step up, especially in the Southeast.”
Kalu acknowledged the efforts of the Southeast Governors in combating insurgency and called for enhanced federal security measures in the region, given its significance as a transport gateway for goods.
Furthermore, Kalu urged an end to the verbal disputes between the Minister and the Governor, asserting that for the situation to improve, President Tinubu must be made aware of the truth regarding insecurity. He said, “For me, Professor Zulum and the Minister don’t need to argue. These are fundamental issues; if we don’t tell President Tinubu the truth, the place will be ungovernable. So it is better we tell him the truth on the condition of the insecurity situation in Nigeria.”
Kalu praised the Nigerian army for their efforts, commending the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector General of Police, and other security chiefs for their dedication. He reiterated the need for the Federal Government to allocate more resources and attention to Borno State and the Southeast, stating, “We cannot play politics with insecurity; we should take the art of governance very seriously.”
He urged the Minister to consult extensively with the nation’s security chiefs before making public statements. Kalu expressed confidence in the capabilities of the security apparatus, saying, “No Governor or President wants his people to die, so I urge the Minister for Information to step down some of the statements he is making about insecurity and should also consult the Chief of Army Staff and the Inspector General of Police.”
He remarked on the effectiveness of the National Security Adviser, emphasising the importance of consulting security agencies before issuing statements. Kalu concluded with a call for unity in tackling insecurity, stating, “We can rid all these criminals away and build our economy to be strong. Let us stop politics and concentrate on the economy of Nigeria. President Tinubu has done his best; let’s support him to build our economy together.”
