••Former Presidential Candidate Demands Immediate Action Amidst Worsening Security Crisis
Obi’s call comes amid worsening insecurity, violence and killings across the country, highlighting a perceived leadership vacuum during a critical period.
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has issued a stern call to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to immediately cut short his current trip to France and return to Nigeria to address the rapidly escalating domestic crises, particularly the pervasive and deadly security challenges gripping the nation.
Obi’s intervention comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with a surge in violence, killings, and widespread insecurity, painting a grim picture of a nation teetering on the edge. The former governor of Anambra State, known for his vocal stance on national issues, expressed profound concern over what he perceives as a glaring absence of leadership during a critical juncture in the country’s history.
In a strongly worded statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Obi articulated his distress over the mounting security breaches and the apparent lack of governmental response. “I am compelled at this time in our lives as a nation to call on our retreating President’s attention to the security challenges at home, which entails that he immediately suspend his ongoing retreat in a foreign land and come home to address the overwhelming security situation across the country,” Obi wrote, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “This urgent call has become necessary following the rising incidents of crimes and criminalities all over Nigeria with an apparent absence of governance.”
Obi proceeded to detail the staggering human cost of the escalating violence, citing specific incidents and regions where the security situation has deteriorated dramatically. He lamented that in the two weeks of the President’s absence, over 150 Nigerians have tragically lost their lives to insecurity, particularly in Plateau and Zamfara states, which have become hotspots of brutal conflict.
“In the 2 weeks you have been away, over 150 Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity across Nigeria, especially in Plateau and Zamfara states,” Obi stated, highlighting the stark reality of the ongoing violence. He further pointed to the repeated pipeline explosions in the Niger Delta, a region already fraught with socioeconomic challenges, as a stark indicator of a nation in distress.
The security crisis extends beyond the North Central and South South regions. Obi also drew attention to the resurgence of insurgency in the North East, specifically in Borno State, where leaders are reportedly lamenting the return of militant activities, resulting in the random killings of both troops and civilians. Similarly, the South East region is experiencing a surge in killings and abductions, further exacerbating the national security crisis.
Obi’s criticism was not limited to the security situation. He also questioned the timing and location of the President’s retreat, stating, “Amid all these, the CEO of the troubling company called Nigeria is retreating far away land in France from the Company’s headquarters.” He underscored the fundamental responsibility of any government to secure the lives and property of its citizens, questioning the rationale behind a retreat in a peaceful foreign country while the nation bleeds.
“The primary duty of any government is securing the lives and property of its citizens and one wonders the type of retreat going on in another country where peace has been secured by their leaders while blood continues to flow in our country,” he added, emphasizing the disconnect between the government’s actions and the pressing needs of the Nigerian people.
Obi concluded his statement with a passionate appeal to President Tinubu to prioritize the nation’s security over his current engagements. He stressed that the pursuit of a better Nigeria transcends individual interests and is fundamentally about implementing policies that tangibly improve the lives of citizens.
“The fight for a better Nigeria is not about individuals; it is about ensuring that every citizen can see, feel, and benefit from the policies and decisions of those in power,” Obi asserted. “I, therefore, like to urge Mr President to quickly suspend whatever he is doing in France and rush home to take responsibility by addressing these disturbing issues.”
As public concern mounts over the escalating security situation, Obi’s remarks reflect the growing frustration among Nigerians regarding the federal government’s handling of the crisis and the perceived lack of urgency in addressing the nation’s pressing challenges. The call for immediate action underscores the urgent need for decisive leadership and concrete measures to restore peace and stability across the country.
Leave Whatever You Are Doing In France; Return To Fix Escalating Domestic Problems — Obi Tells Tinubu
