Buhari to review appointment of security chiefs, Osinbajo reveals

It appears President Muhammadu Buhari may soon heed to the myriad of criticism that have continued to trail clear lopsidedness in his appointment of security chiefs in the country.

The indication that Buhari may want to correct the situation which many Nigerians have openly condemned, came as the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, on Friday said that the irregularity in the appointment of security chiefs in the country needs urgent review.

According to Osinbajo, the review is necessary so as to appease some angry sections of the country and to bring out more efficiency in their operations.

Osinbajo spoke on this vexed issue in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, at the Greater Nigeria Pastors’ Conference.

It would be recalled that Nigerians have not only accused Buhari of ensuring that those from the North where he comes from, and those of Islamic faith, were appointed as his security chiefs, but have also called on him to sack the security chiefs for apparent failure to address worsening security issues in Nigeria, occasioned by herdsmen killings, kidnappings, insurgency attacks among others.

In his remarks at the occasion, the Vice President also canvassed for community policing, which he said would enable quicker response to emergency situations and help curb the incessant killings in different parts of the country.

He however refuted the claim that Christians are targets for the killings in some parts of the country, arguing that the blood thirsty hoodlums had attacked mosques as well and had also killed many in Muslim communities especially in Zamfara State.

“There is a big challenge. Sometimes, it is not always as it seems. When I went to Benue, I mentioned to them that any attack on churches is sacrilegious and it should be condemned. I was probably one of the few persons that spoke about it. Let’s put it in a context, we must not assume this is an isolated case.

“Deeper Life Bible Church was attacked in the North in 2014 and 17 people were killed. Whatever is happening, we must take a broader look at it. As pastors, when mosques are attacked, we must also speak up. It is good that we also speak up against this as well.

“I agree fully as far as security issues go that we should have a broader approach. There is no reason why there should not be a review. The President (Muhammadu Buhari) had said he would address it,” Osinbajo said.

Noting that if the issue of herdsmen killings is not handled with great caution and wisdom that Nigeria may be plunged into another round of civil war, Osinbajo called on Nigerians to stop reading religious and ethnic meanings to the killings.

“We must not allow the narratives being said about it to survive. We have to handle it carefully; we may put the country in a civil war if care is not taken. When former President Obasanjo was in office, almost 12 states declared Sharia law. What did Obasanjo do about it. He could not have done more than he did.

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“Many of the governors of those states then were Muslims. Can you imagine if 12 states governors declare Sharia Law now that we have a President, who is a Muslim? We must put everything going on in the country in context. I am in a position of getting some information that many are not privileged to get.

Our country can only be governed by the wisdom of God. We must deal with all issues with great care. In River Benue, virtually all the cattle want to go in there for water. In Taraba, the killer herdsmen and farmers they attacked are Muslims. It is not entirely fair to say that they are targeting Christians. Any herder found with weapon must be arrested. In the last few months, we have sent special forces to Benue and and Taraba. There is great determination to end the killings and hold accountable anybody arrested,” he said.

Osinbajo expressed optimism that Leah Sharibu, the only girl who is still being held captive by the Boko Haram, for allegedly denying to denouncing her Christian faith, would be released very soon.

He added, “There were two factions of Boko Haram. The one led by Shekau and the other group. When they were kidnapped, we have to negotiate on all platforms, both local and international, to ensure their release.

“The same government brought back 120 Chibok girls, mostly Christians by a President that is a Muslim. The rescued girls are now in American school, in Abuja. We are negotiating daily for about 80 Chibok girls still in captivity. I am constantly in touch with the negotiations.”

 

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