KADUNA/Nigeria: The Nineteen Seventeen Northern Consensus Movement for Peace, Unity, Empowerment, and Development Initiative (NSNCM), an amalgamation of 596 grassroots associations across Northern and Southern Nigeria, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s achievements in defending Nigeria during his first year in office.
In a statement signed by NSNCM National President, Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu, and made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, the coalition highlighted the President’s strategic efforts in enhancing national security.
“Defence is not a ‘magic wand’ affair where a wave from a Fairy Godmother turns bad into good and ashes into gold,” the statement read.
“Nigeria, a sovereign country, is blessed with land, sea, and air boundaries, and this means defence is a serious, tactical, and coordinated affair that needs more of silent action than rhetoric or showmanship.”
“However, our Fairy Godfather in the person of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his 365 days in office, has provided the magic wand to the Ministry of Defense,” the statement continued, crediting Defense Minister Badaru Abubakar, Permanent Secretary Dr. Kana, and CDS General CG Musa for their effective collaboration.
According to the coalition, significant achievements include enhanced collaboration and synergy within the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and other security agencies, leading to improved results. Additionally, capacity building, recalibration, and welfare improvements for the AFN have also shown positive outcomes. The coalition also praised improved partnerships with neighboring countries and friendly nations, noting that these collaborations have yielded tangible results.
The statement emphasized recent successes in curbing insurgencies and capturing insurgents, achieved in collaboration with the armed forces of Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. Maritime security improvements have also been notable, with reduced incidents of piracy and effective measures against oil bunkering.
Internal security enhancements were highlighted, including the successful release of kidnapped victims and improved safety on major highways such as the Kaduna-Abuja corridor. The statement also pointed to upgrades in military equipment and arsenal for the Army, Navy, and Air Force as key achievements.
“The magic wand has also played a part in the enhancement, integration, and trust of civil stakeholders,” the statement noted, citing improvements in intelligence gathering and the “If you see something, say something” initiative.
NSNCM lauded President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and its meticulous implementation by the Ministry of Defense, Badaru Abubakar, Minister of State Matawalle, and CDS General Christopher Musa. The coalition emphasized the importance of continued positive contributions from all citizens to support the dynamic defense process and ensure collective success.
“While we appreciate the challenges therein, we are positively believing in the President, his strategic defense team, and the successes ahead as he continues with the great work in his second year of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement concluded.
