President Bola Tinubu says his government will take back Nigeria’s ungoverned forests from criminals.
He made this promise in Katsina on Friday night during a dinner with local leaders at the Government House.
Tinubu said forests in the North West and across Nigeria will no longer serve as hideouts for bandits and terrorists.
“On the issue of security raised by former governor Aminu Bello Masari again this evening, yes, I agree that security is a challenge for the country,” he said.
“I addressed the men and women of the armed forces earlier today and assured them that we will do everything to fight terrorism and banditry.”
He added: “We will invest more in technology and take over the forests. Security is a national issue, not just at the local or regional levels.”
Tinubu stressed that no real investment will come if security is not fixed.
“Investment is cowardly, and it will not go where there is banditry and terrorism,” he said. “We will solve the problem together with the states and local councils.”
Bold Reforms and Security Investments Underway
Tinubu noted that the economy is beginning to show signs of recovery. He credited recent progress to “bold policy decisions” made since he took office.
He also promised support for victims of terrorism. He said his administration would help them rebuild their lives.
The President revealed plans to upgrade the airport in Katsina to boost jobs and local business. He said the airport expansion would create 2,700 direct jobs and cost ₦54 billion.
“We’ll consider upgrading the airport in Katsina to create jobs and expand the economy,” he stated.
Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina confirmed the state has already set up a local intelligence outfit. The group collects and shares security information.
Former Governor Masari also spoke at the event. He thanked Tinubu for appointing two ministers from the state and praised him for giving Kaduna indigenes key national roles.
Masari said he supported Tinubu’s presidential bid because of his strong leadership traits.
“You have the political will and courage to face the challenges of this country,” he said.
“You know the problem with humans: There will be resistance when new changes and a new social order are coming. And if you are not strong enough and determined, you will succumb, and the problem continues.”
He added: “Leadership is not about when it is all well. The hard way is the best; you know leaders during hard times. I know and believe you can do it; you have the courage.”
Masari also said security in the North West must be fixed from the bottom up.
President Tinubu thanked Masari for his support during the APC primaries and his role in securing the North West’s endorsement.
He also thanked the governors of Kaduna, Jigawa, Borno, Benue, Yobe, Sokoto, and Kwara States for attending both state functions and a wedding celebration in Katsina.
Tinubu gave special praise to former President Muhammadu Buhari, calling him “a man of integrity who contributed significantly to Nigeria’s development.”
“I wish him well,” he said.
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