A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Yerima Lawan Kareto, has issued a direct challenge to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, urging him to visit areas reportedly under the control of Boko Haram in Borno State.
Kareto, a former Commissioner of Trade, Commerce and Industry, expressed his willingness to personally drive the minister through the volatile regions to witness the reality on the ground.
This development follows Governor Babagana Zulum’s remarks during an expanded security meeting held on Tuesday, where he raised alarm over a resurgence of terrorist attacks and the displacement of military formations across Borno State. The governor noted that the armed forces were “losing ground” in the fight against insurgency.
According to Governor Zulum, Boko Haram fighters have overrun military bases in several locations, including Wulgo, Sabon Gari, Wajirko, and Izge.
However, reports later emerged indicating that Minister Idris disagreed with Zulum’s assertion, insisting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains resolute in combating terrorism and banditry nationwide. The minister was quoted as saying that security agencies were working tirelessly to stabilise the situation in Borno and other affected areas.
In response to the controversy, the minister’s media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, issued a statement dismissing the reports as inaccurate. He described the quotes attributed to his principal as “categorically false and a gross distortion of the minister’s remarks.” Ibrahim clarified that at no point did Minister Idris say, “Ignore Zulum, Boko Haram has not taken over Borno.”
Despite the clarification, Kareto insisted that words alone would not ease the concerns of the people of Borno. He demanded an on-the-spot assessment by the minister, along with a public apology to the state government and its residents.
“Let me inform the minister that such a statement is not enough to cool the high tensions raised on the resilient Borno people who have trust and confidence in Governor Babagana Zulum,” Kareto stated.
“Minister Idris has to come to Borno under my personal invitation to follow me to Damasak. This would avail him the opportunity to tender an unreserved apology and to tell Nigerians whether Governor Zulum, the Shehu Of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, and other security agencies who deliberated extensively on the renewed attacks, were all better informed that Borno is losing ground to terrorists or not.”
Kareto further reaffirmed the loyalty of Borno residents to the current administration but called on Governor Zulum and security operatives, especially the military personnel at the frontlines, to stay resolute and focused in their mission to end the ongoing violence and restore peace to affected communities.
