President Muhammadu Buhari says no responsive government can ignore the role of religious and traditional rulers in tackling insecurity in the country.
Speaking in Abuja at an Iftar dinner with religious and traditional rulers, the President said his administration would continue to count on the invaluable advice and guidance of members of the revered institutions towards improving the current security challenges in the country.
The President noted that moving Nigeria forward remained a collective responsibility, urging leaders at all levels to contribute meaningfully in making the country a better place.
He said insecurity was one of the greatest challenges facing Nigeria’s existence, saying that his administration has invested more resources than any other to tackle insecurity.
The President explained that the government had acquired advanced equipment for the armed forces and the police to strengthen their capacities to confront terrorism and banditry effectively.
President Buhari stressed that insecurity was a worldwide phenomenon, pointing out that the cure and the solution to it was for all sections of society to do their bit and confront the criminals head-on.
He emphasised that the success of the armed and other security forces also would depend on intelligence about the activities of bandits and terrorists, warning that those aiding and abetting terrorists are helping to destroy their own communities.
The President observed that traditional and religious leaders had a key role to play in improving intelligence gathering about the movement of and activities of criminals in their domain.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, had urged Nigerians to use the Holy month of Ramadan to always strive for unity, and celebrate the strength in Nigeria’s diversity.
The General Secretary, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Mr. Joseph Daramola, prayed God to intervene in the efforts at restoring peace in the country.
RADIO NIGERIA