Govt deploying technology, intelligence to sustain fight against insecurity –Yar’Adua

From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, has said the Federal Government would continue to deploy technology, intelligence gathering and regional cooperation to strengthen the fight against insurgency and other security challenges across the country.

Yar’Adua, who represents Katsina Central, said although the security crisis had been worsened by the proliferation of weapons from the troubled Sahel region, the government was making steady progress in restoring peace and protecting lives and property.

Speaking in London after receiving an Honorary Doctorate in Leadership, Governance and National Development at the EuroKnowledge Honorary Doctorate Conferral Ceremony at the House of Lords over the weekend, the senator said leadership requires providing solutions rather than making excuses.

“No nation willingly opens its doors to insurgency. But the crisis in the Sahel has led to an increase in the influx and supply of weapons across our borders and this has been a major driver of insecurity,” he said.

He, however, expressed confidence in the present administration’s ongoing security operations, saying, “Leadership is not about making excuses. Leadership is about bringing solutions to problems. I am confident that the government is winning this war.

“Going forward, we will continue to leverage technology, intelligence and regional cooperation to tackle insecurity, protect our citizens and make life easier and safer for every Nigerian.”

The senator commended the efforts of the federal and state governments over the past year to improve security across the country and praised the Armed Forces for what he described as their gallantry and resilience in combating insurgency and other criminal activities.

Earlier, while accepting the honorary doctorate, Yar’Adua expressed gratitude to the EuroKnowledge Institute for the recognition, describing it as an honour received with humility.

He dedicated the award to the people of Katsina Central for their mandate and support, as well as to his family for their encouragement throughout his public service.

“I dedicate this honour absolutely to the good people of Katsina Central, whose mandate, prayers and support made this possible. I also dedicate it to my family, whose sacrifices and encouragement have kept me grounded in service,” he said.

The EuroKnowledge Honorary Doctorate is conferred on individuals, who have made significant contributions to leadership, governance and national development. Previous recipients include President Bola Tinubu and the late former OPEC Secretary-General, Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo.

Yar’Adua said the honour would inspire him to redouble his commitment to serving his constituents and the nation. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from Africa, Europe and members of the diplomatic community.