Former Governor of Kaduna State, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, has cautioned against excessive public discourse on sensitive security matters.
He, however, advocated strategic communication, stakeholder engagement and the incorporation of indigenous knowledge systems in tackling insecurity in the country.
Delivering a keynote address titled, “The Role of Leadership in Strengthening National Security and Governance,” at the 70th birthday celebration of former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Azubuike Onyeabo Ihejirika, organised by the Abia State Government in Umuahia, Sen. Makarfi underscored the critical role of visionary and inclusive leadership in strengthening national security and governance in Nigeria.
He described leadership as the foremost ingredient for national development, stressing that effective leaders must embody vision, integrity, inclusivity and the capacity to inspire collective action. He maintained that leadership and national security are inseparable, particularly in a globalised world confronted by complex internal and external threats.
Makarfi, while highlighting Nigeria’s current security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry and communal conflicts, urged the Federal and State Governments to prioritise security funding, enhance intelligence-gathering through closer engagement with communities, and reduce non-essential expenditure in favour of strengthening national safety.
He emphasised that accessible and responsive leadership fosters trust, improves intelligence flow and reduces the likelihood of communities resorting to self-help.
Makarfi reflected on his tenure between 1999 and 2007 and credited Lieutenant General Ihejirika, who served as a key member of the State Security Council during a turbulent period marked by ethno-religious crises. He said Ihejirika played a pivotal role in restoring peace and stability in Kaduna.
He highlighted the implementation of structured security measures, including territorial strike force bases and regular security meetings, which he said helped transform the state’s security landscape.
The former governor described Gen. Ihejirika as a disciplined, intellectually sound and responsive officer, adding that his calm disposition and strategic insight contributed significantly to sustaining peace during a delicate phase in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
According to Makarfi, Ihejirika’s legacy exemplifies “adaptive, principled and institutional leadership that strengthens both national security and governance,” noting that his contributions remain firmly etched in Nigeria’s military history.
Sen. Makarfi wished the retired general good health and sustained engagement in national discourse as he marked his 70th birthday.
The ceremony featured discussions on the topic, “Strategies for Security and National Cohesion,” and was attended by various dignitaries cutting across tribal, political, religious and professional divides, including government functionaries, traditional rulers and business leaders from across the country.
President Bola Tinubu was represented by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh. Also in attendance were the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi; the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd); serving and retired service chiefs; elder statesmen; and the wife of the Ooni of Ife, among other dignitaries.