A former Abia Governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, on Monday, backed Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, saying it was wrong for the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, to attempt to downplay the seriousness of insecurity, especially the activities of insurgents in the state.
The former Senate Chief Whip made the statement in China via a video posted on his social media page, calling for decisive measures to end the scourge of insecurity in the country.
Zulum had raised the alarm about the dire situation of his state following an explosion, which occurred on the major road linking the state capital, Maiduguri, to Damboa, killing at least eight people, severely injuring seven others, and leaving 14 more with minor injuries.
Following the concerns he raised, Idris allegedly argued that Borno is safe, contrary to reports that security agencies seem to be overwhelmed by terrorist activities in the state, a statement that infuriated the governor.
Reacting, Zulum faulted the minister, describing him as “naive” about the country’s security realities.
On Monday, Kalu backed the governor, warning that if nothing is done urgently, the state, including the South-East, may be lost totally to terrorists.
He said, “The minister of information is doing his job. But Professor Zulum is right. I am from Borno State. If the Federal Government doesn’t take the right steps in Borno State and the South-East, those areas might collapse.
“I want to believe Professor Zulum that the security situation is deteriorating every day. So we need to step up, especially in the South-East.
“Our South-East governors are doing their best to fight insurgency. I would like the Federal Government to step up security in the region because it is a gateway for people transporting goods from the ports and refineries.
Continuing, the Abia lawmaker called for an end to the verbal squabble between the minister and Zulum, saying that for the situation to be resolved, President Bola Tinubu needed to be told the truth.
He also urged Idris to consult extensively with the nation’s security chiefs before making statements on such sensitive issues.
He said, “For me, Professor Zulum and the minister don’t need to argue. These are fundamental issues if we don’t tell President Tinubu the truth the place will be ungovernable. So we should tell him the truth on the condition of the insecurity situation in Nigeria.
“No governor or president wants his people to die. So, I urge the minister to step down from some of the statements he is making about insecurity and should also consult the Chief of Army Staff and the Inspector General of Police.
“Our army has been doing their best, and I congratulate them, especially the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector General of Police, and other security chiefs for all the efforts that they have been putting in. The National Security Adviser has also been on top of his game. People should stop making statements without consulting the security agencies.”
