Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has warned that Nigeria risks normalising insurgency and banditry unless it adopts a united, whole-of-society approach to end the prolonged security crisis.
Obasanjo, who spoke on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of a new book, Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, authored by retired Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, described Boko Haram as one of Nigeria’s longest-running security threats, spanning over 15 years and four administrations.
The former president, who wrote the foreword to the book, argued that the failure to properly interrogate the roots of insurgency has allowed terrorism to fester.
He recalled his 2011 visit to Boko Haram members following the UN building attack in Abuja, noting that many of them were simply seeking a better life.
“I went to find out who these people were and what they wanted. I found that they were not really aiming for anything political or religious. In short, they were looking for a better life. Have we understood that? Have we taken the right steps? Should we accept this menace as part of our lives? If not, what should we do?” Obasanjo asked.
He stressed that Boko Haram and banditry are now so intertwined that treating them as separate threats would be a mistake.
“Those who have things to say about Boko Haram do not even know when Boko Haram stops and banditry starts. They are all mixed together. We must begin to do something about it, and we must do it collectively,” he warned.
Obasanjo urged leaders to honestly confront Nigeria’s history of conflict — from the pre-independence crises to the civil war — in order to find lasting solutions.
“The life of any nation has the good, the bad, and the ugly. What is important is for us to confront our challenges honestly, look at our past and present, and when it is time to proffer solutions, we must look beyond the ordinary,” he said.
The event drew dignitaries, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, Defence Minister Muhammad Badaru, service chiefs, royal fathers, senior military officers, lawmakers, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Obasanjo commended Irabor for documenting his experiences, describing the book as an important contribution to Nigeria’s ongoing search for peace and security.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
