A Call for Unity in Addressing Nigeria’s Security Challenges
Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasized the need for a unified response to Nigeria’s security challenges, highlighting that violent attacks do not discriminate based on religion, ethnicity, or social status. He stressed that when weapons are used by those threatening national peace, they do not differentiate between individuals, farmers, or other civilians.
Shettima noted that the current administration faced significant security issues upon taking office, which necessitated a coordinated approach. This strategy is aimed at addressing immediate threats while also ensuring long-term peace and stability. His remarks were delivered through the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hadejia, during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting organized by the National Counter Terrorism Centre and the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja.
He said, “Every person or organisation in the business of governance must play a role in this grand mission of national restoration. A bullet or a bomb knows neither ethnicity nor religion. When it is fired by the enemies of our collective peace, it does not discriminate. It kills the farmer and the trader alike, and it destroys the very fabric of our multifaceted, multi-religious, and multi-ethnic society in a devastating and retrogressive manner.”
Shettima highlighted that the challenge is not only to fight the forces behind conflicts but also to dismantle sentiments that are weaponized to divide and weaken the nation’s resolve. He called for messaging rooted in empathy and understanding, urging leaders to counter narratives that fuel division and promote communication that is thoughtful, empathetic, and unifying.
Strengthening Public Institutions for National Development
The Vice President emphasized the importance of strengthening public institutions and addressing existing gaps. He argued that national development can only be achieved when every part of the country progresses simultaneously.
He stated, “We cannot claim to have progress as a nation unless each part of the federation moves forward at the same pace. What we need, therefore, are functional institutions that guarantee the presence and service of government even in the remotest parts of the country.”
Shettima described the creation of regional development commissions across the six geopolitical zones as part of the administration’s strategy to bring development closer to the people. These commissions are expected to serve dual purposes: accelerating development and enabling shared learning among regions.
He explained that while the government has previously collaborated with the private sector and international partners on development strategies, many of these efforts did not fully address region-specific realities. The Vice President urged the commissions to adopt solutions that reflect the unique needs and priorities of their respective regions.
Collaboration and Shared Purpose
Shettima called for cooperation among the commissions, stressing that collaboration and a shared sense of purpose are essential to addressing long-standing developmental and security challenges. He emphasized the importance of unity in tackling these complex issues.
His remarks come amid ongoing debates over claims that Christians in Nigeria are being targeted. The controversy intensified after the United States recently listed Nigeria as a country of particular concern.
Key Takeaways from the Vice President’s Speech
- The Vice President emphasized the need for a united response to Nigeria’s security challenges.
- Violent attacks do not discriminate between individuals, regardless of their background.
- The current administration faces significant security issues that require a coordinated approach.
- Public institutions must be strengthened to ensure national development.
- Regional development commissions aim to accelerate progress and promote shared learning.
- Collaboration among regions is crucial for addressing long-standing challenges.
- Messaging must be empathetic and unifying to counter divisive narratives.