Military operations alone won’t solve insecurity – Yobe Emir

The Emir of Potiskum, Alhaji Umaru Bubaram Ibn Wuriwa Bauya, has called for a shift in Nigeria's approach to insecurity, asserting that military force alone cannot resolve the nation's complex challenges. He urged leaders to tackle poverty, injustice, and other socio-economic factors that fuel conflict.

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Insecurity cannot be solved by force alone. Leaders must address the underlying socioeconomic causes of conflict with sincerity and justice.

"Insecurity cannot be solved by force alone. Leaders must address the underlying socioeconomic causes of conflict with sincerity and justice," the monarch stated. He highlighted Nigeria's rich diversity as a significant asset, emphasizing that every citizen deserves a sense of belonging to foster cooperation for national development. The Emir advised leaders to emulate good parents, prioritizing the welfare of all citizens regardless of ethnic, religious, or political differences.

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Nigeria is a complex and beautifully diverse country, blessed with over three hundred ethnic groups, each with its own customs and languages. Diversity should never be viewed as a weakness. It is our greatest strength. Every Nigerian deserves to feel a sense of belonging, which inherently inspires public cooperation for national development.

Emir Ibn Wuriwa Bauya also underscored the crucial role of traditional institutions in maintaining peace. "Because we live among the people, we understand their challenges firsthand," he explained, positioning traditional rulers as key advisors and facilitators of dialogue. He urged them to champion community development, education, and economic activities to prevent local issues from escalating.

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A national leader must act like a good parent, listening to every child without discrimination, correcting mistakes with wisdom and ensuring everyone feels valued. When leaders put the welfare of the citizenry above personal interests, the nation will make meaningful progress.

Ultimately, the Emir called for governance rooted in justice, accountability, and sincerity. He suggested that history will judge leaders not by their positions, but by the positive impact they leave on their people, encouraging a focus on lasting contributions over personal gain.

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Because we live among the people, we understand their challenges firsthand. This uniquely positions us to advise the government, facilitate peaceful dialogue and resolve local issues before they escalate. Traditional rulers must champion community development, promote education, support economic activities and foster peace.