End insurgency, banditry now, Wike tells FG

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, on Friday urged the Federal Government to do everything possible to immediately end insurgency and banditry currently being witnessed in many parts of the country.

The governor made the call during the wreath-laying event to mark the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

He said it was important for all stakeholders to be concerned about the nation’s deteriorating security situation.

Specifically, Wike called for a change in tactics which he suggested should include change of the nation’s security chiefs.

He regretted that despite the government’s efforts, it appears the security challenges are overwhelming the country’s security agencies.

The governor said, “A country is as strong as its Armed Forces. Her inability to defeat the Boko Haram insurgency despite years of full military engagement shows that all is not well with our approaches and commitments to the battle against the internal insecurity.

“Today, therefore, also raises the need for all of us to be worried by the deteriorating security situation across the country and restate the call on the Federal Government to do everything necessary to bring the security threat by Boko Haram and bandits to a decisive end in the shortest possible time.

“We thank the service chiefs for their efforts so far in the battle against the insurgents. But we also align with the concern of citizens that having seemingly reached their wit’s end, they should now give way for fresh hands and ideas to give the fight the impetus that it so strongly needs to ensure that Boko Haram and banditry are comprehensively defeated and smoked out of existence.

“The time has come for the Federal Government to stop the pretence, change strategy, seek help from our friends and confront the urgency of the internal insecurity situation in Nigeria with every weaponry at its disposal to stop the killing, free all hostages and improve the physical security of our country for all Nigerians.”

The governor said the least duty every Nigerian owe the soldiers, veterans, and their families are to continue to remember, honour and celebrate them for their extraordinary courage in service and sacrifice to the country.

He added, “We also salute and honour every serving member of Nigerian Armed Forces carrying on today in the noble tradition of those before them dutifully defending our nation’s territorial integrity.

“As Nigerians, our collective desire is to have a country where we can all live in unity, freedom and security. A country where our children and grandchildren can live in relative comfort and strive for a brighter future.”