Events in our recent history have thrust us into the glare of world attention in ways that have not always reflected us in our best light.

The paradox of modern Nigeria is that while we have proudly emerged as the largest economy in Africa, and a viable investment and trade destination, a raging insurgency and perhaps our early management of it, as well as uncertainty in some circles over the possible outcome of the impending elections have heightened interest in Nigeria.

I, therefore, thank the organisers of this event for giving me an opportunity to address the issues of insurgency, corruption and the 2015 elections.

After a somewhat turbulent past, Nigerians on the whole have come to accept that the best hope for meeting our nation’s aspirations is in continuing and deepening our democratic growth.

This year marks for us an unprecedented decade and a half of uninterrupted democracy. However, this has not come without challenges, a civil war, truncated attempts at democracy; multiple military coups weakened our institutions and severely affected our ability to respond to some current threats.

Today, a raging insurgency in the Northeast, allegations of high level corruption and a hotly contested national election is fuelling anxiety both at home and abroad about the future of Nigeria.

I wish to use this opportunity to highlight our responses and preparedness.

Insurgency

The real and existential threat posed by Boko Haram is perhaps a millennial challenge; how we approach it will have immediate, as well as generational consequences.

It will determine how we reform our institutions, define our fundamental values, the capacities we develop and the tools we use to address and prevent future threats.

When a nation’s citizens take up arms against their fellow brothers and sisters, operate outside acceptable rules and norms of their society, kill and maim innocent civilians, including women and children, kidnap young children, and force pre-teen girls to blow themselves up in public spaces, it calls for deep introspection.

In the run up to the elections, Boko Haram have escalated their campaign, seizing territory and hoisting their flag. They have burned down whole villages, ransacked communities, raped young girls and continued to kidnap both boys and girls.

They have openly declared support for ISIS and expanded their campaign into neighbouring Cameroun and Niger Republics.

Read More: allafrica.com