Sen. Kaka Shehu Lawan (APC-Borno Central) has advised the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, to emulate his predecessors by focusing on projecting the image of the Federal Government rather than politicising issues of insecurity.
Lawan gave the advice in a statement issued on Thursday in Maiduguri.
The senator expressed concern over the Minister’s recent comments in response to the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, who raised alarm over renewed Boko Haram attacks in parts of the state.
Zulum at the end of an expanded security council meeting on Tuesday, warned that the state may be losing ground to insurgents, citing recent attacks that displaced military formations in Wulgo, Sabon Gari, Wajirko and Izge, among others.
The meeting, chaired by the governor, had in attendance heads of security agencies, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Federal Government and security forces, Zulum expressed concern over the rising number of casualties, including military personnel, security agents and civilians.
In response, the Minister of Information on Wednesday issued a statement disagreeing with Zulum’s assessment, insisting that the Federal Government remains committed to fighting terrorism and banditry.
Reacting, Lawan described the Minister’s comments as “unfortunate and disrespectful” to a sitting governor who receives direct security briefings.
“It is inappropriate for the Minister, who operates from Abuja, to challenge the views of the state’s Chief Security Officer who engages daily with security agencies and traditional institutions,” Lawan said.
The senator noted that Zulum had consistently supported security operations in the state, including the recent distribution of 110 vehicles, 500 motorcycles and 280 houses to security agencies.
“The gesture was commended by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, who described the governor as a performing leader,” he added.
Lawan advised the Minister to take a cue from former Information Ministers such as Lai Mohammed, Labaran Maku, Jerry Gana, Uche Chukwumerije and others who, he said, focused on promoting government policies and programmes.
He also criticised the Minister’s silence over the humanitarian impact of recent attacks in the state, urging him to engage more with developments in the North-East.
“The Minister should consider visiting Borno to interact with frontline troops, the state government and local stakeholders before issuing public statements,” Lawan said.
The senator reaffirmed his loyalty to the Federal Government and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, but urged caution in public communication to avoid undermining local efforts.
“As a representative of Borno Central and former member of the State Security Council, I urge restraint in making statements that may further aggravate the situation,” he added.
