Federal lawmaker Sulaiman Gumi has commended the outgoing Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Abubakar, for his resignation, citing that he did the “honourable” thing.
Gumi, representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency, acknowledged the overwhelming state of insecurity in the country.
In an interview with PUNCH Online at the 2024 Humanitarian Award Night in Abuja on Saturday, Gumi said: “I think the issue of insecurity should be overwhelming for anyone. If the NIA DG resigned because of the overwhelming situation or his incapacity to handle the situation, I think he did the right thing. It is the honourable thing to do if that is the actual reason he resigned. He should step aside for other capable persons to do it. That is one thing Nigerians hardly do.”
Gumi continued: “There is no reason to cling on to the position if he can’t perform. Some other persons should be allowed to come and salvage the situation. So, I think he did the honourable thing by resigning, which is what Nigerians should emulate.”
He also expressed concerns about the government’s commitment to addressing insecurity, saying: “I also believe our government and security agents can quell it if the will to end it is there. It should be a thing of the past if they are ready to do it. However, I think there is a lack of commitment from both the government and law enforcement agencies. How many of these bandits are we talking about? We also know where they are staying. So why can’t we eliminate them?”
Gumi highlighted the need for improved policies to address the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria, stating: “There is a need to improve on our policies because Nigeria is witnessing a humanitarian crisis at the moment. We cannot say the government is not doing enough. Whatever you do will not be enough for the people. Some people may be displaced today. It may be the turn of some other people tomorrow.”
He emphasized the importance of collective efforts to alleviate suffering, saying: “So it has become a national issue and a very big humanitarian crisis that we are facing in Nigeria. This is because people are constantly being displaced from their homes as a result of one violence or the other. I think, to an extent, the government is overwhelmed with the situation. The economic situation in the country has further become more intense. This is where I believe individuals too can contribute instead of leaving it to government alone. I think it is beyond just the government alone. Everyone needs to contribute to alleviating the suffering of the people.”
Gumi suggested the establishment of temporary humanitarian camps, saying: “I also would like to see the FG put in place temporary humanitarian camps where people can stay within the timeframe of their displacement instead of them being left to stay in schools, shanties and other places that are inhabitable.”
Emmanuel Anabueze, convener of the Humanitarian Award Night, shared similar sentiments, stating: “Until governments at all levels stop politicising their policies, projects, and palliatives, the grassroots people will continue to suffer.”