The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina has alluded that despite the security challenges in the country, the Federal government has not lost control of the Nation’s security.
He also alluded to the fact that the monopoly of violence was not an exclusive preserve of government as violence could flare at any given time as long as people have access to the instruments of violence such as arms and ammunition.
He said this during an interview on Channels TV sunrise daily, Thursday morning.
“Since the beginning of this year it’s been tough, it’s been challenging. We have had all sorts of criminality, all sorts of wanton killing but then, what I would not agree with is the government losing monopoly of anything.”
Adesina said he believed the nation would overcome its challenges soon adding that it was just a matter of time before Nigerian begin to notice the government’s efforts in addressing the security challenges plaguing the country.
“We know that Nigeria has always lived dangerously as a country; many times Nigeria had been on the edge and it just needed a tip to fall over, but it will pull back at the last minute. I don’t believe Nigeria will ever become a failed state but that’s my personal opinion; those who believe that we are on the verge of becoming a failed state have a right to their opinion … I don’t think Nigeria will fail.” The special adviser said.
Mr. Adesina however, took a swipe at those he said were taking advantage of the herdsmen-farmers crisis.
He explained that this prompted the Presidency to disclose what the government was doing to rekindle the hopes of Nigerians, saying no leader would be happy to hear that the citizens of his country were killed.
Adesina expressed his confidence in President Muhammadu Buhari stating that the President would not be distracted but would continue to ensure the security of the lives and property of Nigerians across the country.
“A lot of people are politicising everything. They are saying this failed, that failed because they have their own political agenda. They are not dispassionate about what is happening in the country.”
“We are not there yet in terms of security; these are terrible times for Nigeria viz-a-viz the security situation but then, will we get there? I’m sure we will if only the striding voices of those politicising the thing will not predominate over what government is doing,” He surmised.