….Ex-Head of State urges Nigerians to unite against terror, says security fight requires collective action
Former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, has warned that political propaganda and the spread of fake news on social media are fueling terrorism and deepening Nigeria’s security challenges.
Abdulsalami made the assertion in a statement marking his 84th birthday, where he reflected on the state of the nation and called for greater national unity in the fight against insecurity.
The elder statesman said the recent death of General Rabe Abubakar and countless other victims of insecurity should serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for Nigerians to close ranks against criminal elements threatening the country’s peace and stability.
While commending the armed forces and other security agencies for their resilience and sacrifices in confronting terrorism, he stressed that the battle against insecurity cannot be left to security operatives alone.
“It is clear that the success of attaining this objective must be inclusive,” Abdulsalami said.
“The armed forces and all other security agencies have been very strong in the fight against terrorism. But this is not their fight alone. Every citizen has a stake, and it is my plea that Nigerians unite to fight against terror.”
The former military ruler expressed concern over what he described as the growing politicisation of security matters, warning that partisan interests have often undermined efforts to tackle the country’s security crisis.
“Over the years, politicisation of security matters has worsened the situation and this has brought us to where we are today,” he said.
“Let us join forces with government and security agencies at all levels to defeat these evil ones, who do not recognise ethnicity, religion, political party, communal life or any other form of identity.”
Abdulsalami argued that misinformation and politically motivated narratives were inadvertently empowering terrorist groups and other criminal networks.
“Propaganda for political and other selfish gains is also giving oxygen to terrorist groups. The use of fake news on social media to propagate false narratives has served to encourage terrorists and other criminal groups.
“The success of one terrorist group encourages another, and unless we have a rethink, we will continue to promote this crisis.”
He urged security agencies to remain steadfast and not be discouraged by the enormity of the task, while calling on government at all levels to sustain decisive measures aimed at ending insecurity.
“I urge the armed forces and security agencies to continue their efforts, resolve and firmness in this fight and not to be discouraged,” he said.
“Government should in every manner continue to take decisive actions and resolve to bring this tragedy to an end.”
The former Head of State also appealed to Nigerians to remain law-abiding, vigilant and committed to the unity of the country.
“Nigeria is the only country we have. I joined the army to defend it with my life. I am a firm believer in a united and peaceful Nigeria,” he said.
“At my age, it was and is still my dream that we hand over to our children a united and prosperous nation.”
Abdulsalami, who assumed office as Nigeria’s Head of State on June 9, 1998, oversaw the country’s transition to democratic rule and handed over power to Olusegun Obasanjo on May 29, 1999, ushering in the Fourth Republic.
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