Senator representing Borno South, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has called for a collective national response to Nigeria’s security challenges, stressing that insecurity should not be viewed as a problem belonging to any particular region or religious group.
Ndume spoke at the public presentation of “Military Transformational Leadership in Action: The Buratai Era”, authored by Dr. M.S. Abubakar, where he also commended former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.), for his leadership of the Nigerian Army during a difficult period.
The senator said security was the responsibility of all Nigerians and required the commitment of traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, the military, police, judiciary and political leadership.
“It’s not a Northern problem. It’s not a Muslim problem. It’s not a Christian problem. It is a Nigerian problem,” Ndume said.
He said the country had lost part of its sense of national identity and called for renewed efforts to strengthen the idea of one Nigeria.
Ndume recalled the security situation before Buratai assumed office as Chief of Army Staff, describing the period as one in which insecurity had severely affected movement and social activities in parts of the country.
He credited Buratai with providing leadership to the Nigerian Army during the challenging period and commended officers and soldiers who worked under difficult circumstances.
The senator also acknowledged efforts by the present administration to improve military welfare and funding, citing increases in soldiers’ salaries and defence allocations.
Ndume, however, shifted attention from the military to the wider society, arguing that Nigerians must accept responsibility for the quality of political leadership in the country.
According to him, politicians emerge from society, while citizens play a role in determining who occupies political offices.
“Politics is people,” he said, urging Nigerians to participate actively in democratic processes and recognise their responsibility for the direction of the country.
Ndume also expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to overcome its challenges, calling for renewed patriotism and commitment to national development.
His remarks complemented the broader message of the book presentation, which examined military leadership while also drawing attention to the roles of political leaders, citizens and institutions in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
