Nationalism struggle behind Nigeria’s insecurity – South Korean Ambassador

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nigeria, Kim Young-chae, has said that the struggle by the political class to evolve Nigeria into a true nation State is behind the ongoing security challenges confronting the country.
Kim Young-chae stated this in Abuja while fielding questions from journàlists on the insecurity in the country and sundry issues, during which he said the issues in Nigeria is a family affair which will only take Nigerian politicians to resolve.
He said however that Korean Republic is mulling assistance through intelligence, education and training for the military to assist them in adequately confronting the terrorism dimensions in the conflict as been masterminded by the ISIS and ISWAP.
On how Nigeria can benefit from Korean military strength, he pointed out that the Republic of Korea is the world’s fifth military power, which exports military hardware to many developed countries of the world, hence Nigeria can benefit from the opportunity.
According to the Ambassador, what Nigeria is going through today can only become resolved permanently if the citizens can prioritise nationality above tribal and religious leaning.
He said the Koreans went through a similar struggle, which led to the emergence of both South and North Korea today, even though he said it will be very dangerous for Nigeria to contemplate division.
He said Nigeria has fought a civil war and remained united, hence there should not be another civil war, which he cautioned will bring about lots of bloodshed which will last for too long.
Speaking further, the Ambassadors expressed concern over the high level of killings across the country, warning that if Nigeria eventually divides, the various fragments would lose their voice and reputation in the Committee of nations unlike today when Nigeria is highly respected and appreciated by other countries.
Young-chae also blamed reckless population explosion that has brought about twenty million more people over a period of ten years, observing that it simply means there will be more mouths to feed and more hands to engage by the government, which according to him, does not come easily.
While explaining the potentials of intelligence sharing between Nigeria and Republic of Korea, he said for such to take place, there must be a memorandum of understanding between governments of both countries, which he said is above his authority and office.
Meanwhile, he said the Minister of Defence from Korea will visit Nigeria next year, promising to link both the Nigerian Defence team with the Republic of Korean team for better security relations, adding that peace and security remain the bedrock of every development.