Generational grievances, root of Nigeria’s insecurity – Jimoh Ibrahim tells UN Parliament
Ibrahim stated that the current setup of the Nigerian military and the armed forces’ structure needs external support for the counterinsurgency effort to succeed, and support from Turkey, the United States, and China is welcomed.
Ibrahim observed that the British colonial authorities recognised security concerns but primarily addressed them through strategic handover documentation.
“For instance, they retained control of the Navy even after Nigeria’s independence, only relinquishing it in 1964. Rear Admiral A. Kennedy, a British officer, commanded the Nigerian Navy from 1958 until 1964, when leadership was transferred to Nigeria’s first indigenous Navy, Commodore (later Vice Admiral) Joseph Edet Akinwale Wey.
“President Bola Tinubu will address security concerns through a strategy centred on cooperation and partnerships, and on promoting a democratic peace environment.
“The Nigerian Senate is convening a National Security Summit to resolve generational grievances, and with an increased budget and higher prioritisation,
“President Tinubu is gaining greater legitimacy for solutions both domestically and internationally.
“The President is a liberalist, emphasising friendliness to all and enemies of none in Nigeria’s foreign policy,” Ibrahim added
He, however, noted that, with approximately 70 ambassadors deployed to various countries, Tinubu has signalled that the international community should renew and expand its investments in Nigeria.
