President Muhammadu Buhari hasvblamed the persistent insecurity in Nigeria on the existence of international borders which he said pose numerous security challenges to the country.
The President, who disclosed this while declaring open the ongoing Special summit on national security organized by the House of Representatives,said Nigeria shares land borders with Benin, Cameron, Chad and Niger; and maritime boundaries with Equitorial Guinea, Ghana, Saotome and Principe, which pose national security threats.
He was represented at the occasion by the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha
He said :”Security has become major subject of concern at global, regional and national levels. In different continents of the world, terrorism, political conflicts, racism and other forms of criminal activities continue to threaten economic development, peace and security.
At the regional level; Africa these concerns subsist and continue to rage.
“Nigeria shares land borders with Benin, Cameron, Chad and Niger; and maritime boundaries with Equitorial Guinea, Ghana, Saotome and Precipe. The challenges that these international borders pose to our national security and interest are enormous. The instability in the Lake Chad region alone deserves close attention.
“Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, our nation has had to grapple with various forms of internal security issues over the past decade in all geopolitical zone. Addressing them effectively to restore safety, peace and security, therefore remains the responsibility of all Nigerians, in and out of public office and our democratic institutions.
“It is with regard to the forgoing that I wish to commend the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Leadership and Members of the the House of Representatives for the vision to convene this special summit. This step, demonstrate that our growing democratic system, institution and ethos provides for us a good platform for various arms of government to collaborate and find solutions to national challenges of all magnitude including security.
He expressed optimism that the nation will overcome its current challenges,adding that:”I am certain that we shall overcome just as we have done many times throughout our history. However, success at this time requires that we set aside all other considerations and commit ourselves to a common endeavour in the national interest.
Meanwhile,the Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan, said that Nigeria was at a cross road over the its bedeviling insecurity and insurgency.
In his remarks at the summit,Lawan said, “I want to say here that Nigeria is at cross roads today. The very essence of the existence of this country is under serious threat.
“What started as insurgency in 2009 or so in the Northwestern part of Yobe has now snowballed into full scale insurgency in the entire north east. What was not known to us in the north west is now today the home of banditry and kidnapping.
Lawan appealed to the executive arm of government to implement whatever would be the outcome of the summit, and not to allow it go the way of previous summits by the National Assembly
