Former Borno State Governor and Senator, Ali Modu Sheriff, has urged the Federal Government to strengthen regional alliances with neighboring countries as a critical step toward permanently ending the Boko Haram insurgency.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Sheriff emphasized that “lasting peace” in Nigeria’s northeast cannot be achieved without meaningful cooperation with neighboring states.
“What should be done is that we have to have a proper relationship with Cameroon, Chad, and Niger,” he stated when asked about a permanent solution to the crisis.
Read Also: FG Introduces Support Fund For Tertiary Institution Workers
The former federal lawmaker recalled that during his tenure as governor (2003-2011), the insurgency was often mistakenly perceived as solely a Borno issue.
He noted that “Even my next-door neighbour, then governor of Yobe State, did not believe this had nothing to do with the people of Borno.”
Sheriff stressed that “These are problems that were coming from outside Nigeria. Unfortunately for us in Borno State, we are bordered by Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, and it’s all land borders.”
He added that “local actors were being financed and manipulated under religious pretexts,” indicating the involvement of external forces in destabilizing Nigeria during his administration.
When asked about the worsening economic hardship under the Tinubu administration, Sheriff acknowledged the public’s struggles but cautioned against blaming a single individual.
The Boko Haram insurgency has caused extensive loss of life and displaced millions across Nigeria for years.
However, since President Bola Tinubu took office in May 2023, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu reports that over 13,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters have been neutralized, while approximately 124,000 have surrendered.
Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2
