Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has expressed grave concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately return from his visit to France and address the crisis at home.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, the former Governor of Anambra State criticized President Tinubu for what he described as an untimely retreat abroad while the nation battles surging violence and instability.
“I find it necessary at this crucial moment in our nation’s history to call on our retreating President to return home and confront the alarming security threats facing our citizens,” Mr. Obi said. “The safety and well-being of Nigerians must take precedence over any foreign engagement.”
According to Mr. Obi, Nigeria has witnessed the deaths of over 150 citizens in the past two weeks alone, with Plateau and Zamfara States among the hardest hit by violent attacks.
He further highlighted multiple explosions in the Niger Delta region, describing them as signs of a country under severe distress. “The repeated pipeline explosions in the Niger Delta reflect a growing state of emergency that demands urgent action,” he stated.
Obi also drew attention to reports from Borno State, where local leaders have raised alarms over the resurgence of insurgent attacks targeting both military personnel and civilians. Similarly, in the South-East region, he noted that abductions and killings have become increasingly rampant.
“The current wave of violence, from the North to the South, is a clear indication that Nigeria is facing a nationwide security breakdown,” Obi added.
The Labour Party leader called on the federal government to prioritize the safety of its citizens, urging decisive and immediate intervention to restore peace and order.