Vice President Kahsim Shettima has announced that President Bola Tinubu has given his approval for the implementation of the “Pulaaku Initiative,” a non-kinetic approach to combat insurgency and banditry in the Northern region. As an initial step, an allocation of N50 billion has been designated for the initiative.
“Pulaaku,” derived from the Fulani language, loosely translates to “to be shy.” The Vice President initially mentioned the Pulaaku initiative during a condolence visit to the Government of Kano State in July 2023 following the passing of elder statesman Abubakar Galadanci. He emphasized that solely relying on the military would not resolve the crisis in the North-West region of the country.
During the opening address at the two-day Roundtable on Insecurity in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Coalition of Northern Groups, Shettima highlighted that the approved initiative will commence in Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Benue, Zamfara, Niger, and Kaduna states. The initiative aims to improve living conditions and livelihoods by undertaking the construction of residential buildings, roads, schools, and other essential facilities. This endeavor is expected to significantly impact the development of the northern region.
Shettima reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing insecurity in the nation by allocating a substantial portion of the 2024 budget to security. He also stressed the importance of strengthening systems and avoiding narratives that foster division among Nigerians.
Furthermore, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, former military head of state and chairman of the occasion, expressed the view that investments in education and the economy could address the underlying causes of insecurity. He emphasized the need for synergy among security agencies and federal authorities to effectively combat terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry.
Similarly, Prof Attahiru Jega, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, emphasized the significance of integrity in the fight against insecurity. He highlighted the importance of coordination and complementarity among security agencies and government at all levels to ensure an effective response to the security challenges.
The collective efforts of the Pulaaku Initiative and the collaboration between security agencies and government authorities are expected to contribute to a safer and more stable Northern Nigeria, with the potential to positively impact other regions of the country.