FG writes London-based magazine about criticism of Buhari government

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Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola wrote to London-based magazine The Economist about his recent publication accusing the current government of the country’s security and economic situation.

DAILY POST recalls that The Economist had, a few days ago, stunned the Nigerian army, accusing it of selling equipment to insurgents terrorizing Nigeria.

While describing the military as only strong on paper, the magazine also described the administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari as an inept and authoritarian government that had also failed to tackle corruption.

In a letter written to The Economist in response to an article titled “Insurgency, Secessionism and Banditry Threaten Nigeria,” the High Commissioner said the media was selective in its research, saying the issues Nigeria was facing faced are longstanding and that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is achieving enormous results in dealing with them.

The letter said in part: “The Economist is correct in pointing out the multiple security and governance challenges that Nigeria currently faces. But the image you present is selective and unfair to your readers. The decline of agencies and institutions has accelerated for decades. There is no quick or easy fix. It is unwise to pretend otherwise.

He reminded the organization that President Buhari had been elected twice in national elections and that he was indeed making progress by working with international partners:

“There has been progress. Nigeria works closely with partners in the Sahel region, Europe and the United States on security and intelligence. It is no coincidence that the leadership of militant groups is weaker than it has ever been. You stress the need for police reform: this is a process that President Buhari’s administration has conducted, including the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). We are already working with the UK and others on training and equipment, ”he said.

The High Commissioner called Nigeria’s robust response to COVID-19 as well as the president’s battle to provide stable energy to the country as remarkable.

“Nigeria has led the region in a vigorous response to COVID-19 that has kept infection levels well below many parts of the world, while helping to mitigate economic shocks from the global downturn for the most vulnerable . President Buhari also defended reforms in the energy sector, the cradle of corruption, in the face of fierce resistance from the old status quo brigade, ”he added.

He stressed that the progress made by the administration in agriculture, creative arts and technology, among others, is not suitable for corrupt individuals in the country.

“Nigeria is far from the only country that faces the challenge of trying to make late changes in a political culture that leans towards vested interests that are often selfish and short-term. Optimism in sectors as diverse as agriculture, the creative arts and technology underscores the opportunities that are already being realized. It will take a long time: a corrupt cabal will say we are not doing enough: what they mean is that we have already done too much, ending the impunity enjoyed by a few and helping to empower as many people as possible, ”he said.

Ambassador Isola concluded that President Buhari is also working with international partners to reduce the problems associated with extremism and climate change and leave the country more united.

“This is not just a Nigerian project either. We are at the forefront of the international fight against violent extremism, climate change and a host of other issues.

“These are common but complex challenges that require common and complex solutions. President Buhari, like millions of Nigerians, rejects the identity politics that has polarized so many other countries. Our diversity is our strength, ”he said.

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