The Coalition of Civil Society Groups against Terrorism in Nigeria has applauded the former Chief of Army Staff, Ambassador, (Lieutenant-General Rtd) Tukur Buratai on his call for the establishment of school safety task force in the country for the development of education.
Buratai had said that the task force would provide tailored security solutions to schools in high-risk areas across the country.
The Coalition, in a statement by its Convener, Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi and Secretary, Hon. John Atani, said Buratai understands that establishing the task force will help in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.
It noted that the growing number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, especially in the North, would be addressed with the school safety task force.
The Coalition said: “Buartai has once again demonstrated his expertise and concern in addressing insurgency, banditry and out-of-school children in the country.
“The recent report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) that 60 per cent of the 10 million out-of-school children are girls should worry any Nigerian that believes in the leaders of tomorrow.
“Establishing the school safety task force can provide tailored security solutions to high risk areas. Education is a fundamental human right and a critical driver of national development, and if we fail to protect it, we jeopardise the future of our nation.
“However, if we rise to this challenge through innovation, collaboration and unwavering commitment, we can ensure that every Nigerian child has access to safe, equitable, and quality education.”
The Coalition also commended Buratai’s recent interview on Arise Television, saying that the General has addressed the allegations of misappropriations of public funds under his watch.
According to the Coalition, the army recorded unprecedented, outstanding, monumental and incontestable achievements, including counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism, banditry and other sundry crimes, as well as human capital and structural development across the nation under Buratai.
“There was no single fund given to Buratai directly that he used apart from the budgetary processes, and all those budgetary releases were properly accounted for. The records are there in the procurement system of the Nigerian Army.
The Coalition in the statement once again appreciated Ambassador Buratai for his loyalty and selfless services to our nation and humanity. The Coalition also call on our media institutions to always interogate various allegations against distinguished Nigerians who have served the nation meritorioisly. Fact should be established before such news are aired.
