Tinubu Advocates Community-Based Peace Committees As Northern Traditional Rulers Meet
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Tuesday, has advocated for the establishment of community-based security committees across Nigeria as part of measures to enhance peace and stability.
The President made the suggestion in a message to the opening of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council (NTRC) General Assembly in Birnin Kebbi.
The event has the theme “Strengthening Community Collaboration for Lasting Peace in Northern Nigeria”.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, the President is of the belief that the community-based security committees would foster dialogue, conflict resolution, and security collaboration among communities, traditional rulers, and security agencies.
He emphasised that the committees would promote interfaith dialogue and cooperation in each community, build trust among religious groups, and reduce communal tensions.
Tinubu also spoke on the importance of empowering women and youth through education, economic opportunities, and leadership training to prevent violent extremism.
He also said community participation in decision-making processes is key to building trust and sustaining peace.
The President commended Governor Nasir Idris for his peace-building efforts in Kebbi State and assured him of Federal Government’s support.
In his speech, the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, lauded the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sacrifices as they push for peace and unity in the country.
He urged citizens to support security agencies and refrain from making demoralizing comments on social media, noting that insecurity is a global challenge.
The Sultan praised Governor Idris and the people of Kebbi State for their hospitality, describing the state as a model of peace and stability. He said the meeting was timely given the nation’s security challenges, including banditry, Boko Haram, and ISWAP insurgency.
In his remarks, the Shehu of Borno underscored the need for collaboration among traditional rulers, communities, and government to sustain resilience and support for ongoing military operations.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, also spoke at the event, thanking Nigerians for their support.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to restoring peace nationwide.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, emphasized the need to galvanize support for the military, and for citizens to appreciate their efforts in safeguarding lives and property.
In his address, Governor Nasir Idris pledged his government’s unwavering support for traditional rulers, whom he said are vital partners in peace building and the promotion of national unity.
The governor said his administration has provided logistics to all traditional rulers in the state, and funded the renovation and furnishing of their palaces, and purchase of over 90 vehicles for security agencies, among other.
He said that his administration has been involving traditional leaders regularly in governance and decision-making at the state level.
