By Emmanuel Awari, Jalingo
A former Nigerian Minister of Defense, Rtd. General T. Y Danjuma, has said that Nigeria has become a laughing stock amongst the comity of nations following persistent insecurity that has bedeviled the country.
He stated this while speaking at the annual Nwonyo Fishing and Cultural Festival in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State
General T. Y who lamented incessant killings, kidnapping, banditary and other forms of criminality across the country urged Nigerian leaders to leave up to their responsibilities of protecting the lives and properties of the citizens to attract Foreign Direct Investment into the country.
“It is so sad that Nigeria as a nation has become a laughing stock following security challenges. We are a disgrace to the whole world, we have become a laughing stock to the whole world
“Nigerian authorities must take urgent measure to redeem the battered image of the country by addressing the security challenges confronting the nation. Those in position of authorities should work hard to make the country safe for all Nigerians including foreigners before we could attract more investors into the country
“If we continue to make our roads unsafe for people to move around, our dreams of making Nwonyo fishing and cultural festival an international festival, can not be achieved because no person or group of persons will want to come to our state or country if we continue to kill and butcher ourselves,” he stressed.
Gen. Danjuma who is also the Chairman of the 2024 Nwonyo International Fishing Festival, further charged Nigerians to put their house in order by exebiting peaceful coexistence to attract foreign tourists and investors into the country.
Also speaking at the event, the Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, charged Taraba State Government to sustain the Nwonyo Fishing Festival which he said had created global awareness for economic benefits.
He pledged that his administration would continue to work round the clock to foster mutual cooperation between his state and Taraba State Government.
On his part, Taraba State Governor, Dr. Abgu Kefas, assured that his administration would revive all dead government agencies, projects and festivals and charged residents of Taraba State to maintain peaceful co-existence.
Meanwhile, the Nwonyo Fishing Festival which was last celebrated in 2010, was graced by many respected dignitaries including Adamawa state Governor, Umaru Fintiri, Benue state deputy Governor, members of the State and National Assembly among others.