TheCable

Bukola Saraki, former senate president, has advised the Buhari administration to seek external help to address Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.

Saraki said seeking assistance in the present situation is “not a sign of weakness” even if done across party lines.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain was speaking via a statement on Tuesday, in which he lamented nation’s security woes.

TheCable had reported how Nigeria recorded more than 10 security incidents on Monday as killings and attacks continued across the country.

In the north, residents remain at the mercy of Boko Haram insurgents and bandits while security agencies and government facilities are increasingly becoming targets of attacks by gunmen in the south.

Saraki said there is a need for President Muhammadu Buhari to convene a security meeting of all those who could help solve the challenge.

“The people include former presidents and heads of state, serving and former chief justices, serving and former presiding officers of the National Assembly,” he said.

“Others include serving and former heads of security agencies, traditional rulers with relevant experience, leaders of the private sector, development partners and friends of Nigeria in the international community.

“l know there are many people who believe the fact that this suggestion is coming from a source outside government is a good reason for the president to ignore it.

“I think the attitude this time around must be different. This is definitely not a time for partisanship or for people to play politics with the lives of the citizenry and the future of the country.

“My suggestion here is an appeal made out of genuine concern with what is going on in our dear country.

“Even those of us in the opposition party recognise the fact we can only exist if we continue to have a country. Thus, we are willing to cooperate with the government in finding solutions to this problem.”

On Tuesday, President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the United States to consider relocating the headquarters of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) from Germany as part of efforts to address insecurity in Nigeria and other African nations.