From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Association of Concerned Citizens across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones marched to the National Assembly, on Thursday, in support of the security reforms of the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle.
The protesters included children, men and women, who marched from Unity Fountain by TransCorp Hilton, to the National Assembly gate in Abuja, carrying banners and cardboards in support of the Defence Ministers.
The group’s convener, Ekimini Bassey, spoke to the media during the demonstration commended the defence ministers unwavering efforts in enhancing national security.
Bassey noted that the concerted efforts of the Ministers of Defence have drastically reduced attacks on all installations and the numbers of insurgency related deaths have significantly decreased.
He said: “During the previous administrations we were having very pathetic and tragic situations in the aspect of insecurities all over the country.
“But as it stands, the remarkable achievement in the aspects of insurgencies has drawn a lot of foreign investors all over the world to come back to Nigeria and invest specifically in the improvement in the aspect of insecurities in the Niger Delta region.
“That I came from, has led to a substantial increase in our productions from 900,000 barrels of crude oil per day to approximately 1.7 million barrels of crude oil per day to safeguard our installations.
“The tireless dedication and commitment of our Ministers of Defence has brought a renewed hope agenda of Mr. President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu to each realities. So on this notes on behalf of the association’s We hereby pass vote of confidence on our Ministers of Defence.
“For their good leadership and commitment to the national security that is safeguarding the growth and prosperity of our dear country, the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
North West representative Zarah Den, on his part urged Nigerians to disregard any forms of campaign of calumny to tarnished the image of the ministers overseeing our security sector.
“We are on a peaceful protest to endorse Ministers of Defence Alhaji Badaru and Matawalle for their unwavering efforts and contribution towards achieving improved security in the country.
We have seen the improvement in the Niger Delta region where there is Oil production and have also recorded fewer casualties in our high ways since Badaru and Matawalle assumed office.