Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari has charged traditional rulers to take responsibility for security challenges in their communities as the closest authorities to the people.
Buhari gave the charge at a meeting with the traditional rulers in the Government House, Gusau, Zamfara State during his re-election campaign in the state.
The President, who said his administration was determined to defend the country from criminals and insurgents, urged the monarchs to do more in curbing banditry and kidnapping in their communities.
“We are determined to defend the nation and its people. We are disappointed with some of the things going on. You are responsible for the security of your neighbourhood. Being close to your people, you know them. You are still relevant. I am sorry this has extended to some of your families,” Buhari said.
Read Also:
While charging the traditional rulers to take the security of residents as their business, Buhari said security is not the responsibility of the police and other security agencies alone.
“More security is not good news, but we must do something to secure our environment,” Buhari said.
He thanked the royal fathers for the support he enjoyed so far and appealed to them to back his re-election.
The Chairman of the council of traditional rulers and Emir of Anka, Attahiru Ahmed and the Governor, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar, praised the efforts of the President in changing the unwanted security situation in the state.
According to Yari, “From the presence of an ammunition depot manned by just 30 men when you took office in 2015, Zamfara State today boasts of the presence of 4,700 combined security personnel who are assisted by 8,500 State Joint Task Force, SJTF members. We also have the 223 Battalion, the 607 Quick Response Battalion and the 1 Brigade in Gusau.”
The council of traditional rulers also endorsed President Buhari’s bid for a second term.
