Tinubu seeks UN practical support in fighting terrorism

President Bola Tinubu, receiving Vladimir Voronkov, Under Secretary-General of the UN office on counter-terrorism, at the State House, Abuja, demanded more practical support from the United Nations (UN) in fighting terrorism in Nigeria.

The President sought “more practical” actions from the UN in supporting the fight against terrorism in Nigeria, noting that terrorism is effective danger to democracy and development.

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According to the President, “You have to do more because terrorism is an effective danger to democracy; terrorism is also an effective danger to development.”

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement, cited President Tinubu as saying: “we appreciate all that you have been doing. We know that in the face of many demands and challenges, you can still do much better.

“We can score you ‘A’ in collaboration but ‘B’ in physical support. You have to do more because terrorism is an effective danger to democracy; terrorism is also an effective danger to development.

“Growth and prosperity cannot be achieved until we banish terrorism. We have to equally look at other sides of the issue, and I have said it is the where, how, and when of terrorism.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, also noted that poverty and injustice are some of the driving forces fueling terrorism in the country. The Minister stated that “Nigeria continues to make significant investments in education and social security.”

Voronkov remarked that Nigeria already has a framework on prevention, mitigation, and reconciliation, while commending the efforts taken so far by the country in tackling terrorism.

Voronkov declared: “Of course, terrorism is part of the international agenda, and we had a successful meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, discussing how to enrich our agenda on international terrorism response.

“I can only mention that politically, and from the point of view of capacity building on activities for counter terrorism, Nigeria is one of the leading partners.”

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He disclosed that the UN is planning a counter-terrorism summit in April 2024 in Abuja.