Terrorists have declared war on Nigeria - Senate

[TheNation]

  Mark    The Senate on Tuesday painted ominous picture of the security challenge facing the country.

It affirmed that terrorists have declared war on the country.

The affirmation came from no other than the Senate President, Senator David Mark, in an address at Senate plenary.

 Mark noted that though the address was meant to express appreciation to Senators for standing by him while he was away for medical treatment, he would seize the opportunity to raise a few topical issues that concern the country especially the security challenge in the country.

He said the current level of insecurity in the country is totally unacceptable, insisting that something must be done to improve the situation and very quickly too.

He lamented that escalating acts of terror not only threaten the unity of Nigeria as a nation but challenges the very human values Nigerians believe in.

Mark, however, cautioned that in spite of the bombings, Nigerians should not despair or be disillusioned.

Nigerians, he said, should avoid politicizing the situation, making divisive statements or pointing accusing fingers.

He did not forget to state that the primary responsibility of tackling the challenge lies with the government though every Nigerian has a role to play.

He urged security agencies to re-examine and intensify their pre-operational responsibilities, roles and actions as well as improve their operational capabilities.

The major task of security agencies, he said, must be to thwart and prevent bombings.

He urged the Federal Government to explore all avenues to discuss with those behind the security challenge especially as they are Nigerians.

Mark also asked those aggrieved for whatever reason to find a better way to express their grievances.

He said the transformation agenda of the federal government could only work in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

He said, “Clearly, terrorists have declared war on Nigeria and Nigerians. Escalating acts of terror not only threaten our unity as a nation but challenge the very human values we all believe in.

“In spite of these bombings, we should not despair or be disillusioned. We shall overcome through our collective determination.

“This is the time for concerted action by all Nigerians; ethnicity, political affiliation, religious belief notwithstanding. We have a real problem on our hands and we must handle it with the seriousness it deserves and we should never politicise it.

“Divisive statements or finger pointing are not helpful. Attempts to apportion blame for failures at this time of the burgeoning terror threats will not lead to any practical and long lasting solution,” the Senate president added.



TheNation