Guardian

Seek overhaul of security system

THE Nigerian economy may soon collapse if the current spate of bombings and other anti-social vices are not checked, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned.

Also, the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) Monday asked security operatives not to leave any stone unturned in unraveling those behind the attempt to kill the Emir of Kano, Dr. Ado Bayero. ANPP spoke as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Bala Mohammed, and Senator Bukola Saraki condemned the attack on the emir’s convoy as ungodly and barbaric.

The NLC Acting General Secretary, Chris Uyot, who gave the warning in Abuja yesterday via a statement, stressed that the attack on Bayero has called to question the efficacy of the steps so far taken to curb bombings in the country.

Expressing fear that the attacks could snowball into employers of labour and commerce magnates fleeing the ancient city, the NLC called on government to move in swiftly to ensure that absolute peace, which encourages free movement, is restored.

“Kano, being a major industrial city in the northern part of the country, is very strategic to the Nigerian economy and polity, and should therefore not be allowed to be held hostage by violent groups,” the NLC added.

The attack, the union noted, has brought to the fore the urgent need for re-organisation of the country’s internal security system as violent militant activities seem to be growing in strength by the day. It said: “These attacks seem to expose the lie in the claim by the Federal Government that its security agencies have been able to curtail the activities of violent extremists.”

Last weekend, unknown gunmen rained gunshots on the convoy of the Emir while he was on his way back from an Islamic graduation ceremony (Saukan Karatu) held at the Murtala Mohammed Mosque in Hausawa Quarters of Kano. Three of his aides, interim chairman of Kumbotso Council, and two unidentified persons were killed. Several others, including the emir’s son, were also injured.

Piqued by the incident, the ANPP urged Nigerians to view it as a veritable stimulus to strengthen their resolve to engage in inter-religious dialogue, instead of seeing it as a psychological defeat.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Emma Eneukwu, ANPP called on the Federal Government to channel more efforts towards inter-cultural assimilation and inter-faith understanding.

Speaking on Monday while declaring open the meeting of the FCT Executive Committee, the minister said it was abominable for any person or group to attack a highly respected royal father and national icon like the Emir of Kano.

On his part, Saraki said: “I am saddened by the news of this barbaric attack on a peace-loving and respected Emir. Why on earth will such wicked act come to anyone’s thought? The security challenge in the country has taken a new dimension, and from all indications, no one seems safe.”