The week ahead – Security will remain the concern, but the economy is under strain

Last week saw Boko Haram unleashing more suicide bombings across the North-East region, with the terror group killing hundreds on Eid at the Damaturu prayer ground in Yobe State.

They may be responding to the rejig of the national security architecture by President Muhammadu Buhari. In our last briefing, we have warned the government to, as a matter of urgency, revitalise intelligence with a view to eliminate the entrenched cells that carry out the suicide bombings in the urban areas. With the way the sect is organised, they are likely to continue with the bombing campaigns unhindered, and citizens are urged to exercise extra ordinary caution as they go about their usual routines.

North-Central killings must come to national radar

The North-Central Nigeria killings by alleged Fulani Herdsmen continue unabated especially in Plateau state. Some citizens in the Barkin Ladi area tell tales of the way and manner the gunmen often appear in the dead of the night and day to carry out their attacks. The federal and state governments are yet to take this issue very seriously.

The National Assembly is not serious
On the political front, the National Assembly leadership crisis is yet to be resolved, and this has led to a postponement of the resumption of both chambers, originally scheduled for tomorrow, 21 July. The seemingly irreconcilable differences between the opposing camps may continue for a while, and this will remain an unnecessary distraction for the government because President Buhari will not form a cabinet without the cooperation and support of the Senate. This, will affect a lot of Nigerian life, especially the economy which continues to show signs of stress, with naira exchanging at 245 to the American dollar. With no absolute policy direction from the new government, the situation may continue unhindered.

Recommendations

We urge the new national security team to reform and reorganise the intelligence gathering and analysis with a view of stopping the incessant bombings and also develop a long term approach towards countering terrorism.

A blue print for resolving the North-Central killings should be adopted in order to curtail the ongoing daily genocide.

The National Assembly crisis needs to be resolved as a matter of urgent national emergency so they can focus on the myriad of challenges currently confronting the nation.

President Buhari needs to at least appoint an economic adviser and move quickly to announce a policy direction that can boost investor confidence and save the economy from further stress.