In a press briefing organized by “Awareness for Good Leadership, Peace and Development,” the National President and Co-convener of the briefing, Abdullahi Aliyu, said that the briefing was to advise the government on strategies to address the security challenges affecting the state.
Aliyu urged the government to provide farmalds to the IDPs to enable them cultivate crops and boost agricilultural productivity because majority of them are farmers.
“Providing them with farmlands, fertilizer and other inputs, will not only empower the IDPs but also contribute to state security by boosting food production,” he said.
The President urged state governments to encourage communities to organize and protect themselves against territories.
“This approach aligns with the constitution of Nigeria, and could offer more effective means of countering banditry, especially when the federal government is proposing a constitutional amendments to allow states to create state police,” he said.
He also urged states and the federal government to ensure timely release of grants to develop their areas and enhance their capacity to contribute to the security issues.
Addressing the financial constraints faced by local governments, Aliyu called for the release of their grants to enhance their capacity to contribute to security efforts.
He stressed the importance of synergy among the federal, state, and local governments to collectively combat crime and criminality.
Investing in IDPs:
Aliyu emphasized the untappelp potential of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as successful farmers. Calling on the Katsina State government and others affected by banditry, he proposed a significant investment in IDPs. Providing them with farmland, fertilizer, and necessary equipment, he argued, would not only empower the IDPs but also contribute to state security by boosting food production and availability.
Community Defense Initiatives:
Highlighting the persistent challenges despite massive federal spending on tackling banditry, Aliyu suggested a paradigm shift. He urged state governors to allow communities to protect their territories, supervised by the state government. This approach, he believes, aligns with the constitution of Nigeria and could offer a more effective means of countering banditry.
Release of Local Government Grants:
Addressing the financial constraints faced by local governments, Aliyu called for the release of their grants to enhance their capacity to contribute to security efforts. He stressed the importance of synergy among the federal, state, and local governments to collectively combat crime and criminality.
Unified Efforts for Lasting Solutions:
Aliyu concluded the briefing by emphasizing the need for a collaborative and unified effort from all levels of government. He urged the federal, state, and local governments to work in tandem, emphasizing that only through such collaboration can Nigeria effectively overcome its current security challenges.
As the nation grapples with escalating security concerns, innovative proposals like those presented by Abdullahi Aliyu are vital in sparking conversations and fostering practical solutions. The call for a united front against insecurity resonates as a potential path towards lasting peace and stability in Katsina State and beyond.
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