By Abdulfatah Babatunde
A faith-based organisation, The Muslim Congress (TMC), has called on the Federal Government to tackle pressing issues of food and security challenges before the country is plunged into avoidable violent crises.
The TMC Committee on Social Mobility, the Economy & Politics gave this advice in “State of the Nation Address” on Saturday in Lagos.
TheNewsZenith reports that Alhaji Abdul Wasi’i Bangbala, Chair of the Committee, presented the address.
“State of the Nation Address” as part of the organisation’s contribution to national discourse towards rebuilding the nation.
Bangbala is also the Amir (National President) of TMC. He noted that Nigeria was facing a dual crisis of skyrocketing prices goods and severe security challenges.
These, he said, are “exacerbating financial hardships, poverty and a burdensome cost of living for its citizens.
“To tackle these pressing issues, the federal government must implement concrete initiatives to address hunger and enhance the economic landscape.
“The security challenges, characterised by banditry, kidnapping and widespread violence, have led to food scarcity nationwide. Key agricultural states are being overrun by bandits and terrorists.
“Prioritising security measures to safeguard farmers and agricultural activities is crucial for food sustainability,” the committee stated in the address.
It advised the Police and other security agencies to play pivotal roles in Nigeria’s security framework to ensure food security.
“The government should adopt efficient and successful agricultural models to address the challenge of soaring food inflation.
“Nigeria must leverage innovative agricultural practices and learn from successful models within and beyond the continent.
“This way, Nigeria can enhance its food production capabilities and mitigate the impact of rising food prices on its citizens.
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Combating Resurgenct Threat of Terrorism
Recalling the recent tragic suicide bombing in Gworza, Borno State, killing more than 20 people, TMC Committee lamented that the terrorist presence in parts of the Northwest were signalling a potential escalation of insecurity in the region.
“It is, therefore, crucial that the government collaborates closely with security forces to promptly investigate these reports. This is necessary to avert another major insurgency in the northwest.
“Beyond merely making promises and vague assurances, the government must take decisive action against this threat.
“The government should establish clear and measurable timelines for addressing the situation.
“While we acknowledge President Tinubu’s resolute commitment to eradicating insurgency, it is evident that the security landscape continues to deteriorate.
“This necessitate comprehensive efforts to ensure citizens safety of citizens and to attract foreign investments.
“It is undeniable that our military have made significant progress in weakening the violent insurgent group, including the recapture of territories once held by Boko Haram, the threat, however, still persists.
The Committee also acknowledged that the military’s efforts have constrained the group’s operations, but complete defeat has not yet been achieved.
“We, therefore, call on the federal government to reassess its strategies, enhance intelligence-gathering capabilities and adapt to the challenges posed by asymmetric warfare.
“The current situation demands a proactive approach to prevent further loss of innocent lives and safeguard valuable assets from the senseless acts of terrorism plaguing the country.
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