Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe state has described the Federal Government’s programme of de-radicalization, rehabilitation and re-integration of repentant insurgents as a panacea to restoring peace and reducing insecurity to the barest minimum.
The Governor was speaking on the occasion of graduation of the repentant insurgents at Operation Safe Corridor Camp, Malam Sidi, Kwami Local Government Area of the state.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, the Governor said in view of the dire need for peace, it is imperative to do everything possible for peace to reign, to allow for development.
Governor Yahaya pointed out that, with insecurity the resources that could have been channeled towards addressing gabs of basic needs in the society are instead directed in restoring security, and reconstruction of damages.
He lamented that the insecurity has led to the collapse of social, cultural, economic, religious, educational, and family systems and further compounded by globalization, modernization, and technological advancement.
Governor Yahaya highlighted that it was in realization of the place of security to peace and development that his administration established the Ministry of Internal Security and Ethical Orientation, as well as appointment of Special Advisers on Security and Drugs and Narcotics.
He added that the administration has also involved the traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups and local hunters, all in an attempt to ensure security breeches are reduced to the barest minimum.
He congratulated the officials of Operation Safe Corridor and the repentant insurgents for successful camp, appealing to the graduands to go and contribute to growth of their communities and the nation at large.
In her address, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, explained that the Operation Safe Corridor as a Federal Government’s programme is aimed at restoring back repentant insurgent to be fully integrated into the society and become agents of positive transformation.
The Minister, who was represented by Mrs Nadiya Soso Mohammed said the fact that the repentant insurgents are willingly surrendering themselves shows that the programme is yielding results.
She congratulated them for taking the bold step to open a new leaf of life to contribute meaningfully to societal development.
In his remarks, the special guest of honour and Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum commended the foresight of Mr. President in coming up with the idea of Operation Safe Corridor.
Represented by Borno State Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General, the Governor said his administration will continue to support the programme by encouraging the full reintegration of the repentant insurgents.
He called on the North East Development Commission to expedite action towards recovery of the region from devastation inflicted by insurgency.
Speaking earlier, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin, represented by Director of Education, Defence Headquarters, Abuja, Rear Admiral Vincent Okechukwu Okeke lauded the initiative of the Federal Government to encourage fully repentant insurgents lay down arms and be rehabilitated and integrated into the society.
He described the gesture as a major achievement of the administration of President Muhammad Buhari in ensuring lasting peace in the North East.
In their separate comments, the Coordinator, Operation Safe Corridor, Major General B. M. Shafa, and Commandant, Deradicalization, Rehabilitation,and Reintegration, Operation Safe Corridor, Brigadier General Musa Ibrahim explained that over six hundred repentant insurgents have been rehabilitated and ready to be reintegrated into the society.
They said, while in camp, they were given the necessary training, including skills acquisition programmes in tailoring, barbing, shoe making etc for them to contribute meaningfully to nation building.
They added that the all of them had their biometrics and DNA taken for future references.
Highlight of the occasion include oath taking and presentation of awards to deserving graduands among others.
