The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has expressed shock over the assault on Borno Governor Babagana Zulum last week, describing it as one attack too many.
“This is one unwarranted attack too many. It epitomizes our collective vulnerability and the fragility of the country’s security architecture,’’ the NGF Chairman and Ekiti Gov. Kayode Fayemi, said.
In a letter addressed to Zulum to commiserate with him and signed by Fayemi, the 36 states governors said they would meet with President Muhammadu Buhari this week over the worsening security situation in some parts of the country.
Zulum was attacked by Boko Haram militants in a hail of gunshots in Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of the state on July 29. He had suggested that efforts to defeat terrorist groups are being undermined by some elements of the armed forces and that President Buhari should know that there is sabotage within the system.
Describing the security situation as appalling, the governors said the NEC sub-committee on security of the forum would meet on Tuesday and take their resolutions to Buhari and the nation’s Security Chiefs. The governors wondered why the insurgency has continued to escalate in spite of the efforts of the government to end it, saying the attempt on the life of the governor epitomizes the vulnerability and the fragility of the country’s security architecture.
The governors said: “On behalf of the 36 State Governors of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the platform of the NGF, I write to express our solidarity with you and the people of Borno State, following the attack last Wednesday, by gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect.
“This is one unwarranted attack too many. It epitomizes our collective vulnerability and the fragility of the country’s security architecture. Although you emerged from this incident unscathed, we note with regret the injuries sustained by two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and a Police Officer attached to your convoy and do accordingly pray for their quick recovery.
“Mr. Governor, Forum members are resolutely behind you in your effort to rid Borno State of these dastardly and wicked agents of evil. We are appalled by the worsening security situation in the country generally, in-spite of all the efforts of the government to end it.
“On our part, the NEC Sub-Committee on Security will be meeting tomorrow and rising from the resolutions thereof soon dialogue with Mr. President and the nation’s Security Chiefs to discuss this worrisome and rapidly degenerating situation. On a final note, Mr. Governor, we thank God for always being merciful.’’
