Former Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, has challenged President Bola Tinubu to confront the worsening insecurity across Nigeria, warning that government inaction is fuelling terror and eroding public trust.
Amaechi issued the criticism on Wednesday, November 19, in a statement posted on his X handle, where he accused the Federal Government of lacking the political will to halt killings, mass abductions, and sustained extremist attacks.
According to him, “The government has failed to provide adequate protection for its citizens, as evidenced by the surge in terrorist attacks and mass kidnappings in some parts of the country, challenging our national security. This failure to act decisively has sadly emboldened terrorists and eroded public trust.”
He highlighted a string of violent incidents recorded within a single week, listing “the reported attack and kidnapping of secondary schoolgirls in Kebbi; an ambush on soldiers in Borno resulting in the abduction and killing of a Brigadier General, M. Uba; the attack on a church in Kwara; and the kidnapping of a priest, Rev. Fr. Bobbo Paschal, in Kaduna.”
The former minister of transportation urged the President to overhaul the nation’s security strategy and place citizen protection at the centre of governance.
READ ALSO: 2027: Mass Voter Turnout Can Overturn Pre-written Election Results — Amaechi
He said, “To Mr President, your primary assignment is the security of lives and property. Enough of looking the other way or issuing watery statements of condemnation.
“Prioritising a summit or jetting out for whatever reason when Nigerians are dying can never be the trait of a good leader. It is time to probe wrong decisions, strategise, and make tough calls.”
Amaechi argued that stronger intelligence gathering, decisive leadership, and better coordinated security operations are essential to reversing the current trend.
“We did it in Rivers State; it can be done in the country. We are prepared to help if you request help,” he said.
His comments come as communities across Nigeria reel from a fresh wave of violence. In Kebbi State, gunmen stormed a Government Girls school before dawn on Monday, abducting 25 students and killing a staff member.
In Kwara State, suspected bandits attacked the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku on Tuesday night, killing three worshippers and abducting the pastor along with other congregants.
In Borno, Islamic State West Africa Province fighters ambushed troops on Friday, killing four soldiers, including Brigadier General Musa Uba.