Former Governor of Kaduna State, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, has underscored the critical role of visionary and inclusive leadership in strengthening national security and governance in Nigeria.
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, in Umuahia, Sen Makarfi described leadership as the foremost ingredient for national development.
The former Kaduna State Governor stressed that effective leaders must embody vision, integrity, inclusivity and the capacity to inspire collective action.
He noted that leadership and national security are inseparable, particularly in a globalised world confronted by complex internal and external threats.
Sen. Mararfi while highlighting Nigeria’s current security challenges including terrorism, insurgency, banditry and communal conflicts, called for intensified support and empowerment of the Armed Forces and other Security Agencies.
He urged 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.
Sen. Makarfi emphasised that accessible and responsive leadership fosters trust, improves intelligence flow and reduces the likelihood of communities resorting to self-help.
He advocated strategic communication, stakeholder engagement and the incorporation of indigenous knowledge systems in tackling insecurity and cautioned against excessive public discourse on sensitive security matters.
The former Kaduna State Governor who reflected on his tenure between 1999 and 2007, credited Lieutenant General Ihejirika, who served as a key member of the State Security Council during a turbulent period marked by ethno-religious crises, with playing a pivotal role that restored 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 Kaduna State 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 Sen 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 marks his 70th birthday.
The ceremony organized by the Abia State Government featured discussions on the topic; Strategies for Security and National Cohesion, and was attended by various dignitaries including Governor Alex Otti and wife, Lady Priscilla Otti, President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Udeh, Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), Serving and retired Service Chiefs, Elder Statesman, Gen Ike Nwachukwu.
Others are; Former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Uche Ogah, wife of the Deputy Speaker, Federal House of Representative, lady Ezinne Kalu, wife of the Ooni of Ife, among other dignitaries.
