Joseph Bakare
The National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President Major General Babagana Monguno, Rtd, has described the almajiri phenomenon as a time bomb waiting to explode.
Monguno, said that it has almost attained a critical time that the government has to take the decision to ban the almajiri system in the country.
He disclosed to state house journalists after the inaugural meeting of the National Economic Council chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Thursday, that Federal Government has taken a proactive move to outlaw the almajiri phenomenon in the country with immediate effect.
Monguno stated further that the enforcement of the proscription order would be in conjunction with the state governments and the judicial arm of government noting that emphasis would be placed on free basic education across the affected parts of the country.
He said “I have briefed council of the danger of the almajiri phenomenon. We can’t continue to have street urchins roaming around unchecked. You need to deal with this issue of almajiri. Irrespective of what people may feel, we must have to face reality”.
Speaking further the NSA who linked the growing spate of insecurity in the country to the rising unemployment added that if the almajiri phenomenon is encouraged Nigeria will be indirectly promoting anarchy and the culture of violence.