Opposition interference, tendency to distabilise Govt over insurrection – Buni

Tom Okpe, Abuja

Governor of Yobe State and Chairman, All Progressives Congress, APC Caretaker/ExtraOrdinary Convention Planning Committee, CECPC Mai Mala Buni has stated that condemnation of opposition political leaders counteractions by the government against insurgency are seen as destabilizing efforts to quell the insurrection in the country.

The Chairman, speaking through the Secretary, CECPC John James Akpanudoedehe made this assertion at the Sultan Maccido Institute for Peace, Leadership and Development Studies Colloquium at the University of Abuja on 7th April 2021.

The 2-day Colloquium was declared open by the Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, represented by the Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University, Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne with the Governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola as the Guest of Honour.

Papers were presented by distinguished Scholars on a variety of topics that borders on the National Security and unity of Nigeria.

While speaking on the topic: “Party politics, political leadership and crisis of governance in Nigeria; A critical exploration of peacebuilding in the COVID-19 era,” Buni stressed:

“When September 11 attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon happened on US Soil, the opposition Democrats left no one in doubt on where they stood, they stood with their nation and decried the criminality for what it was.

“This tendency by opposition Political leaders to condemn all counteractions by the government against criminals can only be seen in the prism of interference in the efforts of the government to quell insurrectionists.

“All will agree that Nigeria is facing trying times! The World Bank has reported that COVID-19 will push as many as 5million people into poverty in Nigeria, while studies have indicated that its socio-economic impacts have increased hunger, starvation, and poverty which, of course, are triggers to restiveness.

“Effective Political leadership must demonstrate sacrifice, for instance, President Muhammadu Buhari, an icon of anti-corruption; no one can reasonably fault that. This is vital for confidence building in the polity, states must also rebuild trust with their citizens, through effective communication and action which involves all levels of leadership.

“This administration is committed to ensuring good governance through efforts at strengthening our institutions, rebuilding infrastructures and economic interventions to the vulnerable, Post Covid-19. The support of opposition Political Parties is required for meaningful successes in this regard,” he added.