FG Hosts Chad's Déby, Emphasizes Regional Alliance Against Terrorists
The Federal Government has underscored the critical need for enhanced regional collaboration to address the influx of terrorist elements from the Sahel into Nigeria, with a particular focus on the North-East region. This call was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a courtesy visit by the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Abdullahi Usman Bello, in Abuja yesterday.
Strengthening Cross-Border Security Efforts
According to Minister Idris, the escalating cross-border nature of insecurity necessitates deeper engagement with neighboring countries. He revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently engaging with the President of Chad, highlighting the transnational aspect of the threat. "As we speak, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is engaging with the President of Chad. Some of these criminal elements come in from the Sahel, especially in the northeastern part of this country. Fighting cross-border crime is not a one-country affair," Idris stated.
The minister emphasized that the government is actively taking steps to tackle security challenges, including high-level engagements with security agencies and international partners. He stressed that protecting lives and property remains a top priority, reaffirming the country's commitment to unity and religious freedom while warning against extremist activities. "We have situations where we have extremists who attempt to force people into their own thinking, taking up arms, and attacking people. This is very, very unfortunate," he added.
Collaboration on Transparency and Accountability
Beyond security matters, the meeting between the Ministry of Information and the CCB focused on strengthening collaboration to promote transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in public service. Idris pointed out that many Nigerians have a limited understanding of the bureau's mandate, often associating it solely with asset declaration and enforcement. "CCB is not about going to arrest or catch people when they are committing offences. Their duty is to ensure that these offences don't even happen in the first place," he explained.
The Minister stressed the importance of sustained public enlightenment, noting that awareness and enforcement must go hand in hand in combating corruption and misconduct. He assured the bureau of the ministry's support through its agencies, such as the National Orientation Agency, the Nigerian Television Authority, and the News Agency of Nigeria, to amplify its activities and deepen public engagement.
Tinubu Meets with Chad's President Déby
In a related development, President Tinubu hosted Chad's President Déby at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday. The closed-door session, attended by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa, and other top government officials, centered on issues of mutual interest and regional collaboration.
The meeting took place shortly before Tinubu's planned trip to Jos to commiserate with victims of recent attacks in Plateau State. It underscores ongoing efforts by both countries to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen cooperation on regional security, trade, and economic development, reinforcing the commitment to a united front against terrorism and other cross-border challenges.
