Tinubu Committed to Lasting Peace in S/East, Says Information Minister
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and security in the South-East, describing the region’s stability as crucial to Nigeria’s unity, economic growth and national development.
Idris said the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to protect lives and property through improved intelligence sharing, enhanced inter-agency collaboration and sustained investments in security infrastructure across the region.
The minister spoke on Thursday at the 2026 South-East Regional Security Summit in Umuahia, Abia State, where he stressed that peace in the South-East would strengthen the country’s democracy and unlock greater economic opportunities.
“When the South-East is secure, Nigeria is stronger. When every region enjoys peace, our democracy flourishes. And when we stand together as one people, united by a common destiny, no force can diminish the promise of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
Speaking on the summit’s theme, “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability,” Idris said tackling insecurity requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach involving federal and state governments, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and citizens.
He said President Tinubu’s administration remains committed to ensuring that communities across the South-East enjoy lasting peace through improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency coordination, better equipment for security agencies and deeper international cooperation.
“Security is the foundation for investment, education, agriculture and economic prosperity,” the minister said.
Idris added that the administration’s investments in infrastructure, youth empowerment, education, digital skills acquisition and support for small businesses are integral parts of its long-term security strategy.
He also urged residents to reject misinformation and support ongoing constitutional efforts aimed at strengthening grassroots policing through the proposed creation of state police.
According to him, peace goes beyond the absence of conflict and must be anchored on justice, inclusion, opportunity and hope.
Delivering the goodwill message of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, said the National Assembly would continue to provide legislative backing to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and promote lasting peace nationwide.
He stressed that sustainable security can only be achieved through collaboration among governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, civil society and citizens.
Also speaking, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, called for stronger regional cooperation and institutional reforms to address emerging security challenges in the South-East.
He said the House of Representatives would continue to support legislative and constitutional reforms aimed at enhancing the country’s security framework.
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, described security as the foundation of development, insisting that no meaningful progress could be achieved in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
He advocated greater economic opportunities for young people, improved intelligence sharing and efforts to address the root causes of crime as key to sustaining peace in the region.
The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd), also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to safeguard lives and property through sustained investments in the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
Musa said enhanced training, modern equipment, improved intelligence gathering and stronger inter-agency collaboration were strengthening Nigeria’s security response, while urging citizens to support ongoing efforts to secure the country.
By TimesNG