In a recent public lecture at the 2023 Annual Public Lecture/Awards and Election of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in Kaduna, former Niger State governor, Dr. Muazu Aliyu, disclosed the proactive measures taken during his first term in office to combat the emerging threat of Boko Haram within the state.
Dr. Aliyu emphasized the paramount importance of the government’s role in ensuring the security of its citizens, attributing the success of his administration’s efforts to disperse Boko Haram leaders from Niger State. He highlighted that security challenges posed by the group were effectively addressed through collaboration with then-President Umar Yar’Adua.
According to the former governor, upon assuming office, he discovered a camp of insurgents numbering around 7,000 individuals, initially comprising nine people in the Mokwa Local Government Area. This group was involved in armed robbery and the abduction of women, effectively forming a self-declared republic.
Dr. Aliyu underscored the need for a proactive approach to security, emphasizing the importance of leaders and followers working together. He narrated the discovery that the majority of the group’s members were not Nigerians, and with the support of President Yar’Adua, his administration dispersed the insurgents, preventing Niger State from becoming a potential foundation for Boko Haram.
The former governor stressed that proper planning, budgeting, and people-centered policies are crucial elements in addressing the security challenges and broader socio-economic issues facing the nation. He urged fellow leaders to prioritize these aspects for sustainable development and national progress.
The public lecture, themed ‘Demographic Transition, Ethical Resource, Sustainable Development: Reflections on Northern Nigeria,’ resonated with the rising concerns of unemployment among the youth, particularly in the northern region, as highlighted by Haroun Malami, the state Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.