In the wake of the tragic mistaken bombing in Kaduna state, Nigeria, the West African Youth Congress expresses deep regret and extends heartfelt condolences to the affected community.
According to FountainCare Reporters, the incident has sparked youth demonstrations at the National Assembly, with calls for the resignation of Minister of Defence, H.E Mohammed Badaru, Mni. While condemning violence against civilians, the Congress urges nuanced consideration of the complexities surrounding security challenges, while indicating Badaru's competency and citing his achievements during his tenure as the governor of Jigawa State.
The Congress emphasizes the need for a comprehensive inquiry, cautions against hasty resignations, and calls for unity in addressing Northern Nigeria's longstanding insecurity.
...WAYC Press Statement reads;
PRESS RELEASE
The West African Youth Congress deeply regrets the recent incident in Kaduna state, Nigeria, where a village was mistakenly bombed by Nigerian soldiers amidst the rising insecurity in Northern Nigeria. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the affected community and empathize with the pain and anguish that they are currently experiencing.
In response to this tragic event, we have observed the emergence of a youth demonstration at the National Assembly by the Arewa Youths and the National Youth Council Northwest Zone, with calls for the resignation of the Minister of Defence, H.E Mohammed Badaru, Mni. While we respect the right of citizens to express their grievances through peaceful demonstrations, we find it necessary to address the concerns raised by this particular youth groups.
First and foremost, it is crucial to acknowledge the gravity of the mistaken bombing in Kaduna and recognize the immense challenges posed by the prevailing insecurity in Northern Nigeria. Such incidents demand thorough investigation, accountability, and sincere efforts to prevent their recurrence. The West African Youth Congress firmly condemns any form of violence against innocent civilians and underscores the need for a swift and transparent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate event.
However, in assessing the demand for the resignation of the Minister of Defense, Alh. Mohammed Badaru, we believe it is essential to approach the situation with nuance and a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in addressing security concerns. The Minister, who is just four months into office, deserves the opportunity to prove his mettle and implement strategies to safeguard the nation.
The West African Youth Congress strongly reject the review and submission made by the youth groups regarding Alh. Badaru's competence and attitude towards national security. According to our research, During his eight years in Jigawa State, reduced cases of insecurity were recorded to the barest minimum, the crime rate dropped by 39 per cent, and the state’s economy increased by 47 per cent, making Jigawa State one of the states with appreciable economic growth despite COVID-19 and the subsequent economic recession. There is a nexus between these achievements and the security architecture set in by Governor Badaru that not only looked at the root causes of crimes and unrest but worked hard to uproot them through policies and integrated structural coordination between the state, security agencies, traditional setups, and deliberate poverty alleviation interventions. With these finding, we assert that Alh Mohammed Badaru is Competent and has enough experience required to handle the office and improve Nigeria’s security architecture.
It is also crucial to recognize that the Minister of State Defence, H.E Bello Matawalle, despite lacking a military background, has a commendable track record as the former Governor of Zamfara state. His tenure in Zamfara was marked by successful security interventions that significantly reduced insecurity in the state. This demonstrates his ability to institute practical and impactful measures, even in the absence of a military background.
The West African Youth Congress believes that the bombing incident should not be solely attributed to the Ministry of Defence. While accountability is paramount, it is essential to consider the broader context of inherited challenges from the past administration. Insecurity in Northern Nigeria is a longstanding issue that predates the current administration, and attributing it solely to the Minister's four-month tenure oversimplifies the complex dynamics involved.
Moreover, it is commendable that the current administration is actively devising strategies to tackle the security menace. The government's commitment to addressing the root causes of insecurity and implementing comprehensive solutions should be acknowledged and supported. Hasty calls for resignations may hinder the continuity of these efforts and impede the progress being made in securing the nation.
The West African Youth Congress urges the public to exercise patience and grant the Minister of Defence the benefit of doubt as he navigates the challenging landscape of national security. Instead of fostering division, we encourage unity and collaboration in addressing the multifaceted issues that contribute to insecurity in Northern Nigeria.
In conclusion, the West African Youth Congress condemns the tragic incident in Kaduna and emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation. However, we stand firm in our belief that the Minister of Defence, Alh. Badaru, should be given the opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities over a reasonable period. It is our collective responsibility to support constructive efforts aimed at securing our nation and fostering a safer, more prosperous future for all citizens.
E_Sign
Amb. Mohammed Ahmed Marafa PSLC
Secretary General & Head of Mission
West Africa Youth Congress, WAYC
westafricanyouthcongress@gmail.com
www.wayouthcongress.org
CC:
- Office of the Secretary to Government of Federal Republic of Nigeria
- Office of the Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria
- Office of the Senate President of National Assembly of Nigeria
- Office of the Speaker of National Assembly of Nigeria
- Ministry of Defence of Nigeria
- NGO's & all Civil Society Organizations
