Why I’m worried about Nigeria’s situation – Ndume

THE Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Senator Ali Ndume, has reacted to the travel advisory by US government to its citizens planning to travel to Nigeria.

 Ndume, who said there was no big deal about such warnings, however, expressed concerns over the growing insecurity plaguing the country.

The lawmaker made the reasons for his fear known while speaking with journalists in Abuja yesterday.

He said, “America has the right to advise its citizens on the issue of security just the same way I won’t advise anybody to travel anyhow within Nigeria.

“There is no big deal about the American travel advisory to its citizens wishing to come to Nigeria.

“The truth of the matter is that we are facing security challenges that is more intense than the situation before now especially with the new dimensions in addition to the existing ones.

“It is a matter of concern. I am of the view that security and welfare of the citizens should remain paramount.

“We need more personnel in the military and security forces with modern equipment to prosecute the war.

“All hands must be on deck. Citizens must provide useful information while the security agents should be adequately empowered with modern weapons to enable them to act fast whenever information are provided.”

Explaining why he is worried about the state of the country, the lawmaker representating Borno South Senatorial District in the red chamber, said unlike other politicians he doesn’t have visa to any country.

The Senator, whose senatorial district is currently under the siege of the Boko Haram, said, “I am scared and worried because I don’t have anywhere to run to. Right now I don’t have visa to any country.

“Nigeria is the only country that I have that is why I am so passionate about my country. I believe so much in this country that is why I don’t travel out for my holidays.

“I spend all my holidays traveling from one state to another with members of my family. That is why the current security situation is of great concern to me.”