Notion that military regimes might be better equipped to combat terrorists and separatists is illusory- Tuggar
“No country can be great if its Domestic Policy is floundering and not sound”- Lakemfa
Oru Leonard
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has said that the notion that military regimes might be better equipped to combat terrorists and separatists is illusory.
The Minister stated this on Thursday during a public lecture on foreign policy titled “Foreign Policy Agenda under Tinubu Administration,” organized by the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN).
He further explained that soldiers, in their bid for control of the capital metropolis, are susceptible to turning their guns on each other rather than focusing on combating terrorists. “This, in turn, leaves peripheral and border areas more vulnerable to non-state actors, leading to increased insecurity and instability in neighbouring countries and the entire region”, he stressed.
He reinstated that countering the threat to peace from terrorism and irredentism in the Sahel requires a solid foundation of constitutional governance, robust democratic institutions, and collaboration among democratic nations in the region.
Speaking, ARCAN President, Amb. John Shinkaye, outlined the significance of foreign policy in national governance. He urged the new government to set appropriate priorities and strategies, identifying potential challenges that may arise. Shinkaye said the Nigeria’s foreign policy would be shaped by domestic factors, regional dynamics, and global realities, highlighting the importance of understanding how these factors impact the country’s stance on key issues such as security, economic cooperation, and international relations.
In his remarks, President, Society for International Relations Awareness (SIRA), Mr by Owei Lakemfa who was Chairman at the 2023 ARCAN Lecture, noted that ARCAN, always visionary since its establishment, has through this lecture, is helping in the quest for the Foreign Policy Agenda of the Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Lakemfa commented the foreign policy thrust based on the Conceptual Framework of a 4D Diplomacy focusing on Demography, Development, Diaspora and Democracy.
He said, “Foreign Policy is a reflection of Domestic Policy. No country can be great if its Domestic Policy is floundering and not sound.
“If we want to have an effective Nigerian Foreign Policy, four things are important. First, we must ensure the welfare and well-being of ordinary Nigerians. Secondly, we need to ensure the security of Nigeria and Nigerians. Thirdly, we must build a strong economy and currency, and fourthly, we must defend and promote the first three.”
SIRA President called for an all-inclusive foreign policy retreat as the April 1986 All-Nigeria Conference on Foreign Policy in Kuru in which all segments of society participated.
“Such a Retreat will provide a Road Map with practical recommendations that will guide us and this administration, guide our incoming Ambassadors and Diplomatic outposts, not just for the next four years, but extending beyond the Tinubu administration” he concluded.
