Senate Majority Leader calls for new strategy against terrorists in Nigeria

Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has called for a new strategy to tackle terrorism and violent extremism in Nigeria.

Bamidele made the call in his Eid-el-Fitr message to Muslims across the country following the completion of the Ramadan fast.

“Today, as the world rounds off Ramadan, the holy month of fasting in Islam, I extend best wishes to all Nigerians celebrating Eid al-Fitr across the federation,” he said.

He said the month of Ramadan offered Muslims the opportunity for prayer, reflection, and charity.

“In the last month, Muslim families, friends and communities consecrated all to God Almighty in fasting and prayer, love and charity, introspection and retrospection, at the time of global uncertainty,” he said.

Bamidele said the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr should reinforce peaceful coexistence, especially in light of the recent bomb explosions in Maiduguri, Borno State.

He stated: “At home, Eid al-Fitr presents a vivid template of peaceful co-existence given the recent bomb explosions in Maiduguri, Borno State that cost some lives and inflicted much injury. This season should make us better people in all facets of life.

“While we commend our defence, intelligence and security communities for standing strong at this challenging time, it is important to point out the exigency of recalibrating our strategy for countering violent extremism and terrorism.

“We believe the kinetic approach is key to restoring peace and ensuring security nationwide. But time and experience have shown that kinetic operations alone cannot guarantee the peace and stability of our nation.”

Bamidele urged political, religious, and socio-cultural leaders to help address the root causes of violent extremism.

“Now that Ramadan has ended, we must move away from old practice and invest in the people. For the religious leaders, they must emphasise tolerance in their teachings and stop radicalising their disciples and followers.

“As for socio-cultural leaders, they must embrace dialogue to resolve inter-ethnic conflicts rather than resort to armed struggle,” he stated.

He said subnational governments must prioritise human capital development in efforts to tackle extremism.

“It simply requires the subnational governments to make human capital development the cornerstone of their response strategy.

“This entails investing purposefully in basic education; prioritising healthcare and nutrition; creating safety nets for the downtrodden, and developing an ecosystem that fosters creativity and innovation,” he said.

Bamidele said the national assembly is working on a multi-pronged approach to address insecurity and national development.

His words: “That is why the Senate constituted an Ad-hoc Committee on National Security Summit with the mandate to unravel the root causes of insecurity. The same reason inspired the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.

“When completed, it will incorporate fresh amendments that will expand the powers of the subnational governments to play a key role in the security of their territories.”

He added that the national assembly remains committed to strengthening laws to support the fight against violent extremism.

“While the National Assembly remains resolute in tightening laws to support the fight against violent extremism, I wish all who celebrate Eid al-Fitr the warmest celebration,” he said.