Public Affairs analyst Dayo Sobowale has faulted recent comments by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, on the fight against Boko Haram, questioning both the motive behind the statement and the audience it was directed at.....…
Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Sobowale reacted to Akume’s assertion ... that Boko Haram has been “systematically degraded.” He noted that the SGF reportedly made the remarks while addressing Fulani groups, a setting he considers politically significant.
In his words, “They are trying to pacify people who put them in power. See where the Secretary to the Government spoke—he was addressing Fulani groups linked to the renewed hope agenda of the ruling government.” Sobowale argued that such remarks suggest a tendency by officials to tailor security narratives to specific political or ethnic audiences rather than reflecting the broader national situation.
He also expressed doubt over the government’s consistent claims of progress against insurgency, citing ongoing reports of attacks, kidnappings, and killings across parts of northern Nigeria. According to him, the gap between official pronouncements and the realities on the ground erodes public confidence and raises concerns about transparency.
Sobowale added that the government’s communication strategy appears geared more toward sustaining political backing than delivering an objective assessment of the security landscape. He cautioned that this approach could further entrench divisions and hinder collective efforts to address insecurity…....…
