By John Audu.
Ruling Party Assures Nigerians President is Actively Addressing Security Concerns to Avoid 2015 Scenario
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that President Bola Tinubu is determined to avoid the fate of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was ousted in the 2015 elections largely due to widespread insecurity. The ruling party’s statement comes amidst a concerning spike in insecurity across the nation, prompting speculation of a repeat of the circumstances that led to Jonathan’s defeat.
Reacting to these concerns, the APC, through its Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Bala Ibrahim, told THISDAY that the party is acutely aware of the historical precedent and will not “blindfold itself and allow itself to defeat itself.” Ibrahim asserted that President Tinubu is actively taking measures to combat insecurity and ensure the safety of Nigerians, emphasizing the proactive role of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, in addressing hotspots and boosting the morale of security forces.
APC Blames Neighbors, Vows Victory
The APC also pointed fingers at the strained relationship with francophone neighboring countries, particularly since the change of government in Niger, for hindering the effectiveness of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF). Despite this challenge, Ibrahim maintained that the government’s initiatives are yielding results, citing improved security on previously dangerous routes like Abuja-Sokoto and Abuja-Maiduguri. “We are actually going for victory,” he stated, assuring that the current pockets of intense insecurity are a sign that the fight is nearing its end.
Afenifere Calls for Collaboration, Northern Senators Condemn Killings
Meanwhile, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has urged the federal government to collaborate urgently with state governors to devise effective strategies against the escalating security challenges. In a communique issued after a caucus meeting, the group emphasized the critical importance of security and called for a redesign of the security architecture. Afenifere also urged governors in the South-West to strengthen regional security networks like Amotekun and embrace modern technology to tackle insecurity.
Echoing these concerns, senators from the 19 northern states under the Northern Senators’ Forum condemned the rising insecurity in Plateau and Benue states, vowing to resist any normalization of the violence. They commiserated with the victims and commended Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his efforts to restore calm.
Ex-Minister Labels Plateau Killings “Terrorism,” Army Chief Pledges Action
Adding a strong voice to the discourse, former Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, branded the killings in Plateau communities as “acts of terrorism” and not mere farmer-herder clashes. He criticized the government’s narrative and called for a truthful confrontation of the security crisis.
In response to the escalating violence, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Oluyemi Oluyede, visited the affected communities in Plateau State, assuring residents of security reinforcement and vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice. He called for peaceful coexistence and pledged the military’s neutrality and professionalism.
Expert Cites Intelligence Failure, Governor Assures Peace
Security expert and former DSS Director, Mike Ejiofor, attributed the persistent attacks to intelligence failure, inadequate manpower, and limited technological deployment. He also controversially suggested arming communities as a first line of defense and urged the withdrawal of security aides from non-entitled individuals to compel politicians to prioritize national security.
Despite the grim situation, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang assured citizens that peace would ultimately return to the state. He acknowledged the recent setbacks but emphasized the progress made in restoring peace over the past year and pledged his administration’s commitment to identifying and addressing the root causes of the violence.
