The Attorney- General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, said on Thursday that the federal government was using the monies budgeted for developmental projects to fight the threats posed by “activities of the Boko Haram, bandits and secessionists” groups including the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB).
Malami disclosed this when he received the delegation of the United Nations and Lake Chad Basin Commission at his office, according to a statement issued by his Spokesperson, Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu.
Although he did not categorically state the monetary figures being redirected to face security concerns , he implied that the activities of IPOB as well as Boko Haram and Bandits have hampered development in parts of the country.
IPOB is led by Nnamdi Kanu who is facing charges of treason and terrorism.
Malami had earlier accused IPOB of terrorism acts in the country.
The AGF further lamented that the security challenges in the country have resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of livelihoods.
The statement said, “Malami noted with dismay that judging from the security challenges presently confronting Nigeria and some of the Lake Chad Basin States, several lives have been lost, including the lives of soldiers and millions of dollars of properties have been either vandalized or completely destroyed.
“He lamented that monies that could have been spent on developmental programs/projects have been spent on efforts to checkmate and bring to a halt the activities of the Boko Haram, bandits and secessionists threats.”
However, the AGF assured the delegation that the FG would not rest until all security challenges facing the country are laid to rest.
According to him, one of such strategies would see the federal government partnering “in the collaborative efforts to see to an end the multidimensional crises facing the Lake Chad Basin States.”
Further security strategies include “the establishment of the North East Development Commission for the development of the damaged infrastructure as well as to provide the most needed infrastructure; de-radicalization strategies for upholding peace in order to win the war on terrorism; the repatriation of Nigerian Refugees in Chad, Cameroon and Niger Republics; conciliation and compensation of victims, prosecution of Boko Haram cases at Kainji, New Bussa Courts.”
The group which came on a high-level political advocacy visit to Malami, expressed the UN’s commitment to continue assisting countries in the Lake Chad Basin to meet its security objectives and bring development to affected areas.
“The delegation included Special Representatives of the United Nations Secretary General for West Africa/Sahel; Mr. Mahamat Seleh Annadif, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Central Africa; Mr, Francois Lounceny Fall and the Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, Ambassador Mamman Nuhu,” the statement added.
