Bombings driving away investors from Nigeria – Obasanjo

By CHARLES KUMOLU
DUTSE — Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday described the current spate of bombing in the country as a direct and indirect consequence of governance, lamenting that such situation is driving away investors from Nigeria.

He also regretted that Nigerians have placed the need for personal security beyond the desire for general security, describing the development as one of the reasons for the rising insecurity.

Obasanjo

Obasanjo said this while speaking on the topic, “Security, Governance and Leadership” at a one day symposium on this year’s democracy day celebration, convened by Jigawa State government.

According to him, “Nigerians are more concerned and agitated for the need for personal security, for many people the greatest source of anxiety is violent crime, but now bombing of public places and where people congregate has become the source of anxiety in the country for Nigerians. This is already giving us a very bad image. It is adversely affecting investment in Nigeria.

“A lot of us see personal insecurity, economic insecurity and all forms of insecurity as a direct and indirect consequences of governance. Governance and security go hand in hand.  The welfare and well being of the people, starting with their personal security is the direct responsibility of the government. Performance of government is measured by the level of security enjoyed by the people “

Continuing, he said “it must  be clearly stated that every citizen has a responsibility to contribute to the security of the state” adding that it is the main civic duty of every citizen.