The 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity in Nigeria, which he attributes to the unchecked activities of terrorists and bandits.
Obi, in a statement released on Wednesday, condemned the dire state of Nigeria’s security infrastructure. He emphasized that the recent killing of the Emir of Gobir by kidnappers, followed by the abduction of 150 innocent people and the theft of 1,000 cattle, underscores the severity of the crisis. This incident, according to Obi, marks a critical point in the decline of a failing state.
“Still reeling from the shocking news of the tragic murder of the Emir of Gobir, my earlier message reflected my deep sorrow and dismay. Yet, even those words now feel insufficient to convey the weight of one’s feeling of tragic loss,” Obi stated.
National Emergency
Obi described the situation as beyond mere tragedy, labeling it a national emergency. He highlighted that Nigerians are now at the mercy of terrorists and bandits due to the nearly ineffective government response.
“This most recent atrocity marks the tipping point in the decline of a failing state. The fact that, according to widely circulated reports, the terrorists returned to the emir’s domain, abducted 150 innocent people, and stole 1,000 cattle, after his brutal murder serves as a grim indication of the continued collapse of our national security infrastructure. We are now at the mercy of terrorists and bandits, with a nearly ineffective government to protect us. This is not just a tragedy, but a national emergency,” he emphasized.
Obi called for immediate and decisive action from the government to address the crisis, criticizing the current reliance on rhetoric without corresponding action.
“We demand decisive action, not empty rhetoric, to confront this crisis. This is why I strongly advocate for a declaration of war on insecurity, the food crisis, and poverty—a stance that some have twisted, distorted, and used for their agendas,” Obi urged.
Collective Responsibility
He emphasized the need for collective responsibility in addressing the security challenges, urging Nigerians not to stand idly by as the nation deteriorates.
“It’s time for us to take collective responsibility. We cannot stand by as our nation deteriorates to this unacceptable level. We must revive our commitment to the safety and security of all Nigerians. Enough must now be enough,” Obi concluded
