Bauchi State Muslim Parliament has observed that with the use of persuasive communication strategies, Nigeria could address insecurity not just through military might.
The parliament recalled that it is through the use of these strategies that the insecurity which hitherto claimed the lives of innocent citizens in the Niger Delta region was effectively nipped in the bud.
The Muslim Parliament in a press conference in Bauchi yesterday led by Engr. Ahmad Yusuf therefore agreed with the security experts and analysts that Nigeria’s complex security threats require both kinetic and non-kinetic responses.
Engr Ahmad Yusuf explained that it were those security strategies that the chairman of Senate Committee, Senator Shehu Buba Umar reiterated as the panacea to the current insecurity problems engulfing the nation.
According to the parliament, it is this government’s approach of blending dialogue with appropriate forces in the transformation of the security situation that it is backing.
Engr Yusuf said, “We equally stand to unequivocally condemn those who engage in vicious smear campaign and image-tarnishing against Distinguished Senator Shehu Buba Umar, the senator representing Bauchi South senatorial district. We take this principled stand, believing that as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Security and National Intelligence, it’s a position that requires utmost trust and integrity.”
The Bauchi Muslim Parliament holds the believe that Senator Shehu Buba Umar would not play politics or betray the trust of discharging the responsibilities of his office with diligence.
They also asked, “Would the Federal Establishment and the Presidency look the other way, while a Senator plays with the very fundamentals of the nation’s peace and security single-handedly? We firmly believe he has the approval of relevant agencies and critical stake-holders to pursue the noble objectives of dialogue and engagement for reconciliation with all segments of the society involved in infringing the nation’s peace and unleashing havoc, destruction and reckless killings”.
He emphasised, “As members and stakeholders from his constituency, we bear witness that as a respected and accomplished leader, Senator Shehu Buba Umar has consistently demonstrated his commitment to national security, development, and the well-being of his constituents.
“Buba’s shining political antecedents had earned him public recognition, respect and dignity, thereby demonstrating his dedication and commitment in serving the people and contributing to the development and growth of the nation. All progressive groups and organisations from this part of the country can bear witness to this crusade”.
Yusuf also said that accusations and smear campaigns against Senator Shehu Buba Umar are a clear example of character assassination, and an attempt to distract people from his achievements and undermine the trust his constituents have placed in him, thereby depriving the nation of his invaluable contributions to the country.