The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has faulted the President Muhammadu Buhari administration for blaming Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese Matthew Hassan Kukah or NEF for weapons delay urging them to reassess the way it prosecutes its war against insurgency and terrorism.
The group said, rather than blame Kukah and others the administration should ensure military operations satisfy basic standards demanded by weapons suppliers.
Speaking in Abuja, on Monday the Forum’s Director of Publicity and Advocacy, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, also faulted the Presidency over its response to sundry criticisms.
Baba-Ahmed’s position came against the backdrop of the Presidency’s blame of the clergyman and opponents of the government.
The Presidency had accused them of straining US-Nigeria relations, leading to delay in the supply of fighter jets to the country.
Baba-Ahmed said, “You know, the presidency spokespersons have a way of deflecting criticism by making it personal. When you say that there is a shortfall in the quality of government, they find something to stick you with.
“People like Bishop Kukah and I, are used to this. We don’t take it seriously. This organisation should be criticised and must be criticised, and those who are ready to do so should be willing to take some of the words that Garba Shehu and Femi Adesina recycle every once in a while when we point out certain facts about the failings of President in terms of securing the country.
“But the truth is, maybe they know this, maybe they don’t know, Nigerian Government has problems procuring weaponry from Western countries, because these countries, in most cases, have standards regarding conduct by their armed forces and related agencies, in terms of dealing on human rights issues, dealing with prisoners of war, dealing with populations caught up in conflicts.
“Everybody knows this. They will not sell you one bullet unless they are satisfied that you’ve met certain criteria. And they have raised issues over and over again.
“The Nigerian government knows this. But they need to improve the conduct of the Nigerian military, in the fight against the insurgency, against terrorists.”
NEF also reiterated its earlier call on Buhari to resign if he is unable to resolve the nation’s security problems.
“We must not go to the 2023 elections with the current state of insecurity.”
