Nigerian Governors Forum to meet with Buhari over deteriorating security situation

NIGERIAN state governors plan to hold a face-to-face meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari and military service chiefs to address the deteriorating security situation in the country following the recent attack on the convoy of Borno State's Governor Babagana Zulum.

Last week, Governor Zulum survived an armed attack on his convoy by Boko Haram when terrorist fighters opened fire on his motorcade between Baga and Monguno in his state. In response, Governor Zulum accused the military of sabotage and criticised troops of the Nigerian Army for not showing enough commitment in the fight against the insurgency.

Also, the governor threatened to mobilise hunters and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) to battle Boko Haram should the troops fail to perform after some time. Supporting Governor Zulu, the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) said the ambush was one unwarranted attack too many, which epitomises the collective vulnerability and the fragility of  the country’s security architecture.

NGF chairman, Governor Kayode Fayemi, of Ekiti State, said: “Although you emerged from this incident unscathed, we note with regret the injuries sustained by two members of the CJTF and a police officer attached to your convoy and do accordingly pray for their quick recovery. Mr Governor, forum members are resolutely behind you in your effort to rid Borno State of these dastardly and wicked agents of evil.

“On our part, the sub-committee on security will be meeting tomorrow and rising from the resolutions thereof will soon dialogue with Mr President and the nation’s security chiefs, to discuss this worrisome and rapidly degenerating situation. On a final note, Mr Governor, we thank God for always being merciful.”

A lot of Nigerians have called for the removal of the service chiefs who are believed to be weary to enable new ideas to take root. They are also accused of not being proactive enough in responding to the crisis in other parts of the country like Katsina and Zamfara states, where armed bandits now roam with impunity.