FG Approves N50bn Security Vote For Five Northern States

FG Approves N50bn Security Vote For Five Northern States

Vice President Kahsim Shettima has announced that President Bola Tinubu has given the green light to the “Pulaaku Initiative,” a non-violent approach to addressing insurgency and banditry in the North.

Additionally, President Tinubu has earmarked an initial sum of N50 billion for the initiative.

The word “Pulaaku” originates from the Fulani language and can be loosely translated to mean “to be shy.”

Shettima first mentioned the Pulaaku initiative during a visit to the Government of Kano State in July 2023, where he revealed that the initiative would be officially unveiled in the coming weeks.

He emphasized the need for a strategy beyond a solely military approach to effectively resolve the crisis in the North-West region of the country.

During his address at a two-day Roundtable on Insecurity in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Coalition of Northern Groups, Shettima, represented by his Chief of Staff Ibrahim Hadeija, shared that the approved initiative would be implemented in several states in the North, including Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Benue, Zamfara, Niger, and Kaduna.

He expressed confidence that this initiative would significantly improve the situation in the northern region.

“Every part of the country is equal to the rest, and the government treats the needs of each region as critical. For the North, we are also embarking on a transformative journey to address the root causes of the challenges. The Pulaaku Initiative, a non-kinetic solution, has received presidential approval, with an allocation of N50bn in the first instance.

“This initiative aims to enhance living conditions and livelihoods in selected states, starting with Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Benue, Zamfara, Niger and Kaduna. The construction of residences, roads, schools and other essential facilities is set to commence, promising to catalyse the fortunes of this region,” he said.

Shettima also highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing insecurity by allocating a substantial portion of the 2024 budget to tackle this critical issue.

He stressed the necessity for Nigerians to work on strengthening systems and unifying the country rather than perpetuating divisive narratives.

“I believe the informed gathering here is aware of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise to the nation in his inaugural speech of ending insecurity and ending insecurity is a cardinal agenda of the government. As such we have never downplayed the foundational role of security in governance matters. This rationale led to allocating the largest share of this year’s budget to the security sector.

“As we endeavour to improve the quality of life and security for our citizens, we must also look beyond lamentations and focus on building solid defence systems and institutions, to prevent and redeem the identified lapses.”

At the same event, former military head of state, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, suggested that investments in education and the economy could address the underlying causes of insecurity.

He further emphasized the importance of collaboration between security agencies and federal authorities to effectively combat terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry.

“Additionally, investing in education and economic development can address the root causes, ultimately fostering long-term stability. Also, synergy among the security agencies, and state and federal authorities is key to effectively combating terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry. Together, we can work towards a safer and more stable northern Nigeria, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come. This will have a ripple effect on other regions within the country; thereby transforming the security landscape for the greater good of the citizens of our dear nation”, he said.

Additionally, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Attahiru Jega, underscored the significance of integrity in the fight against insecurity.

He noted that a lack of coordination and synergy among security agencies and governmental levels could impede the effective response to insecurity.