Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned what he describes as a deepening security crisis in Nigeria, reacting to the latest Global Terrorism Index report that ranks the country among the most terrorised nations in the world.
In a statement posted on his official X handle on Thursday, March 19, Obi said the report’s findings reflect a damning failure of governance and misplaced priorities by those in power.
“The latest Global Terrorism Index report ranks Nigeria among the most terrorized nations in the world, showing one of the highest increases in deaths from terrorism. This is a painful indictment of failed leadership,” Obi said.
He expressed concern that while other countries are making progress in reducing terrorism, Nigeria is heading in the opposite direction.
“While many countries are seeing a decline in terrorism, Nigeria is moving in the opposite direction.
“This trend is a direct result of misplaced priorities, weak governance, corruption, a lack of rule of law, and the persistent neglect of security, which is the government’s most fundamental duty,” he stated.
Obi painted a grim picture of the security situation across the country, pointing to the multiple threats Nigerians face daily.
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“From the insurgency of Boko Haram to the growing threat posed by the Islamic State West Africa Province, the crisis of kidnapping, and unchecked violence in our rural communities by heavily armed bandits, Nigerians are dying daily while those in power continue to feast,” he said.
The former Anambra governor questioned the very essence of governance in the country, asking what purpose leadership serves if it cannot fulfil its most basic obligation of protecting citizens.
“What is the purpose of government if it cannot protect lives? Why are we normalizing tragedy while other nations make progress?” he asked.
Obi called for a decisive shift from rhetoric to concrete action on security.
“This is not the Nigeria we should accept. We cannot continue down this path. It is time to move from excuses to action, and from failure to measurable progress,” he said.
He concluded by insisting that security is not a privilege but a fundamental right that every Nigerian deserves.
“A safe and secure Nigeria is not too much to ask; it is the right of every citizen, and it must be delivered,” Obi stated.
The statement comes days after deadly bomb blasts struck Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, killing about 23 people and injuring hundreds during the holy month of Ramadan, a grim reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism in the country.