Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has warned that political propaganda and the spread of fake news on social media are emboldening terrorist groups and worsening insecurity in Nigeria.
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Abdulsalami stated this in a message issued on the occasion of his 84th birthday, where he reflected on the state of the nation and called for unity in the fight against terrorism and other forms of criminality.
The former military ruler said the recent death of General Rabe Abubakar and several other victims of insecurity should serve as a wake-up call to Nigerians on the urgent need to confront the security crisis collectively.
He commended the armed forces and other security agencies for their efforts in fighting terrorism, but stressed that the battle against insecurity must not be left to security personnel alone.
“It is clear that the success of attaining this objective must be inclusive,” Abdulsalami said.
“The armed forces and all other security agencies have been very strong in the fight against terrorism. But this is not their fight alone. Every citizen has a stake and it is my plea that Nigerians unite to fight against terror.”
Abdulsalami lamented what he described as the growing politicisation of security matters, saying it has contributed to the worsening insecurity in the country.
“Over the years, politicisation of security matters has worsened the situation and this has brought us to where we are today,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to support the government and security agencies at all levels in defeating terrorists and criminal groups, noting that such groups do not recognise ethnicity, religion, political party, communal identity or other social divisions.
“Let us join forces with Government and security agencies at all levels to defeat these evil ones, who do not recognise ethnicity, religion, political party, communal life or other forms of identity,” he added.
The former Head of State also cautioned against the use of propaganda for political or selfish interests, warning that false narratives spread through social media only strengthen criminal groups.
“Propaganda for political and other selfish gains is also giving oxygen to terrorist groups. The use of fake news on social media to propagate false narratives has served to encourage terrorists and other criminal groups,” Abdulsalami said.
“The success of one terrorist group encourages another, and unless we have a rethink, we will continue to promote this crisis.”
He urged the armed forces and security agencies not to be discouraged in their efforts to combat terrorism, banditry and other forms of insecurity across the country.
“I urge the armed forces and security agencies to continue their efforts, resolve and firmness in this fight and not to be discouraged,” he said.
Abdulsalami also called on the government to continue taking decisive steps to end the tragedies caused by insecurity.
“Government should in every manner continue to take decisive actions and resolve to bring tragedy to an end,” he added.
He further appealed to Nigerians to remain law-abiding, vigilant and committed to the unity and peace of the country.
“Nigeria is the only country we have. I joined the army to defend it with my life. I am a firm believer in a united and peaceful Nigeria,” he said.
“At my age, it was and is still my dream that we hand over to our children a united and prosperous nation.”
Abdulsalami was sworn in as Nigeria’s Head of State on June 9, 1998, following the death of General Sani Abacha. He handed over power to democratically elected President Olusegun Obasanjo on May 29, 1999, marking the beginning of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
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