Farouk Aliyu, hieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has rejected suggestions by some party members that Nigeria’s rising insecurity is being fuelled by the opposition, insisting instead that criminal elements are responsible and must be confronted directly by the government.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday, Aliyu said insecurity should not be reduced to partisan blame games, stressing that the government must take responsibility for tackling the crisis rather than attributing it to political opponents.
“I do not subscribe to those members of APC that think that this is work of opposition. It’s totally untrue. It’s not the work of the opposition. I don’t believe so.”
He noted that insecurity and criminality affect all Nigerians regardless of political or ethnic affiliation, warning against politicising national security challenges. “I believe these are criminals and soldiers, and immigrants that need to, you know, need to hang on.”
Aliyu emphasised that insecurity is a collective national problem that requires unity between government, opposition and citizens, rather than political accusations. “And so far, we’re trying our best. And as I said, if our best is not good enough, when the election comes, the people can decide otherwise. So far, you know, yes. And we still also call on Nigerians, including the opposition. You see this thing as a national calamity. It’s not about the ruling party or the opposition party. It’s collective. All of us are in this thing together. Yes, we’re in the hands of affairs. We’re supposed to take care of these things. But are we doing something to take care of the business? Yes, we are. We are.”
He explained that security agencies are actively engaged in fighting insurgency and banditry across the country, but cautioned that operations must also avoid unnecessary collateral damage. “As I speak to you now, I know, as a matter of fact, that there are security agents all over the place. They know exactly where these people are, and then there are also consequences to, you know, the government has a responsibility.”
Aliyu added that the government cannot act recklessly in responding to threats, insisting that caution is necessary in security operations. “The government cannot just go because they’re racing, go after them. The government is trying as much as possible to make sure that nobody’s injured or killed in the process. Yes, we are not happy. Yes, we don’t like what’s happening, but we hope, in no distant future, we will understand that there are certain decisions taken about these, you know, incidents and so on.”
On the economy, he acknowledged that Nigeria is facing significant challenges but argued that such difficulties are not unique to the country, pointing to global economic pressures. “Yes, it’s true. We accept that there are challenges in this country. I’m sure it’s not an island. There are challenges all over the world. And then the government has put in place. And I think there are not ones. I was here, but where I spoke about the IMF, the military, the one side supporting Nigeria. And one of you, I think, are you? You also said something, which is rather nice. Some of these things that Nigeria goes to take, Nigeria and other countries, because of the stringent condition of all functionalities put in place for these other countries. Third World countries have a successful senate. You know, so, yes, there are challenges in the country. Yes, we are doing our best.”
Aliyu also defended ongoing government efforts on reforms such as the national register clean-up, saying improvements would soon take effect once processes are completed. “They are trying to clean the register in the country, to ensure that there are no duplications, and so on and so forth. And I am sure, at any moment from now, these things will be put in place. And the Renewable Hope Agenda that the president has said they’ve been trying to clear this register for three years. People are languishing with the high cost of living. How long will Nigeria wait for them to begin to enjoy the dividends of the Renewable Hope Agenda? Well, unfortunately, I just have to wait to make sure we get it right. Because sure, there will not be documentation, there will not be mistakes. And I hope, by the time it starts immediately, anytime from now, there will be a clock of payment.”
Aliyu concluded that governance is a continuous process and that some promises made in opposition may become difficult to fulfil once in office due to practical realities. “By the time you get into the office, when the truth and glare are to you, you know that certain promises you make cannot be fulfilled. So that’s it. And in fact, this goes with virtually every government. You promise certain things based on certain assumptions, but the way you get into the state, now you realise that it’s properly certain decisions taken by a successful government. Government before you, they have their reasons for you. These are some of the challenges of politicians as well.”
Erizia Rubyjeana
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