President Tinubu Calls for Treating Kidnappers as Terrorists

By Mohammed Bello Doka

In a press release issued by the State House, President Bola Tinubu has firmly denounced the scourge of kidnapping in Nigeria, advocating for the treatment of kidnappers as terrorists. The President made this assertion during a Ramadan dinner with members of the Federal judiciary, emphasizing the need to confront and eradicate the cowardly acts of kidnapping that have plagued the nation.

President Tinubu declared, ''We must treat kidnappers as terrorists. They are cowardly. They have been degraded. They look for soft targets. They go to schools and kidnap children and cause disaffection. We must treat them equally as terrorists in order to get rid of them, and I promise you we will get rid of them.''

The President's remarks were made in the presence of esteemed judicial officers, including Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and former CJNs, Justice Mahmud Mohammed and Justice Walter Onnoghen. The gathering also witnessed discussions on the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers, with President Tinubu reaffirming his commitment to implementing necessary reforms to enhance their well-being.

Expressing gratitude to the judiciary for their dedicated service, President Tinubu acknowledged their pivotal role in upholding the integrity of the judicial system. He pledged continued support and collaboration to steer Nigeria towards a brighter future.

In response, Chief Justice Ariwoola commended President Tinubu for his leadership and dedication to judicial reforms, offering prayers for the success of his administration. Similarly, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, lauded the President's efforts in addressing the stagnant state of judges' salaries and emoluments, expressing appreciation for his decisive action.

The press release, issued by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), highlights President Tinubu's unwavering commitment to combatting crime and advancing the welfare of judicial officers in Nigeria.