FOLASHADE KEHINDE
THE Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Kayode Fayemi, has said that the Nigerian Military is overwhelmed and can no longer single-handedly tackle Nigeria’s security challenges.
Fayemi, who is the Governor of Ekiti State, said he came to this conclusion as a security scholar, adding that it was not however a criticism of the Nigerian Military.
He spoke during a condolence visit to Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State over the killing of 40 farmers in the state, according to a statement, titled, “Governors Forum: Security challenges are beyond military”.
He said it would not mean a loss of pride to involve neighbouring countries, who he said were probably more experienced in fighting asymmetrical war, in the fight against terrorism and other vices in Nigeria.
Fayemi was accompanied by the Governor of Sokoto and Vice Chairman of the Forum, Aminu Tambuwal; Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu; and Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Bello.
Fayemi said soldiers were overwhelmed and needed support to tackle the security challenges affecting many parts of the country, which he listed as insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery, among others.
He said, “What happened in the last three days is by far beyond any imagination, it was a massacre and it was one that none of us could come to terms with easily.
“The reality we can all say, and I personally as security scholar, the reality I can see is that our military is overwhelmed. Our military is no longer in a position to single-handedly tackle this menace effectively.
“It is not a criticism of our military. If one were to suggest a coalition beyond that will even include our neighbouring countries, who are probably more experienced in fighting an asymmetrical war. It will not be a loss of our pride as a country.”
“We can’t bring back the people we have lost in the last couple of days, but if we do not take the necessary steps, the entire nation will be consumed by this insurgency,” Fayemi noted.
In his response, Governor Zulum said, “We need to address the underlying causes of the insurgency. While appreciating the effort of the Federal Government in implementing some policies that are geared towards addressing poverty in the entire nation, Borno State deserves more.”
