Instead of politicizing the sad event, the candidate, regarded as a third force in emerging political calculations rather called for a cross-party, consensual approach in dealing with the national scourge, according to a statement signed by his spokesman, Mr. Hassan Ibrahim.
The candidate, stressed that it was time politicians desist from matters that could affect national security. “National security” he noted “is not supposed to be a partisan issue. It is a matter for the collective, because if there is no security, there cannot be politics and nationhood”
Olawepo-Hashim regretted the killings of Nigerian troops, observing that the troops were heroes who laid their lives protecting their fatherland. “That fatherland should grow to be much more responsive to the needs of their offsprings, as an honour to them”
The statement said the presidential candidate condoled with the government and people of Nigeria on the death of the gallant soldiers and all others who have lost their lifes in recent days in different parts of the country. He prayed for the repose of their souls and for the quick recovery of the injured.
When elected as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2019, the statement added that the candidate promised to improve on the security situation in the country within 90 days, ahead of the development of completely new security architecture.
The announcement stressed: “The objective of this will be to upgrade telecommunication, military hardware, training, welfare of personnel, etc. Above all, there will be the need to address the root causes of insurgency, and security challenges such as kidnapping, communal killings, clashes between herdsmen and farmers, pipeline vandalism ,etc.”
Olawepo-Hashim however commended the reported move to assist the families of the late soldiers as timely, adding that it is consistent with international best practices.