Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the surge in insurgent attacks plaguing communities in Nigeria’s North-East region.
Obi stressed that the government’s inability to secure Borno State from terrorist threats could undermine the very foundation of Nigeria as a nation. Commending Governor Babagana Zulum for his courageous visit to the embattled Marte community, Obi praised the governor’s solidarity with the affected people.
According to Naturenex, Obi issued a statement on Tuesday morning, urging the federal government to urgently tackle the escalating activities of insurgent groups in the region.
He highlighted the importance of effective leadership in addressing the country’s growing security crisis, insisting that the relentless killing of innocent Nigerians by criminal elements must be brought to an end.
Obi further cautioned against politicizing security issues, emphasizing that the government should prioritize the safety and welfare of every citizen.
His statement read: “The security situation in Borno state is concerning and very unsettling. What is happening in the Marte area of the state is not just a local emergency; it is a national alarm bell that must not be ignored. Governor Babagana Zulum, by choosing to spend the night in a town under threat, has once again demonstrated what leadership should look like: present, proactive, and people-centred. His courage is not for commendation alone; it is a challenge to those in authority to match words with decisive action.”
Obi painted a grim picture of the deteriorating situation, lamenting that it was unacceptable for a sitting governor to plead for federal support to prevent a local government area from being overrun by insurgents.
He added: “We cannot claim to be building a secure and united Nigeria when one of our own, a sitting governor, is left pleading for federal support to prevent an entire local government from falling into the hands of terrorists. Over 300 communities stand exposed, while more than 20,000 of our fellow Nigerians are displaced yet again. These are not just numbers, they are families, children, and communities whose hopes are hanging by a thread.”
Highlighting the threats identified by Governor Zulum, Obi noted: “Governor Zulum has raised critical concerns: that insurgents are regrouping around Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills; that Marte is on the verge of collapse; and that the window for action is closing. These are facts. And it is not enough to acknowledge them; we must respond with urgency and sincerity.”
He called for a swift and genuine response, stating: “We cannot afford to continue this culture of delayed response and distant governance. Our security forces need reinforcements. Our displaced citizens need protection, not promises. And our leaders, particularly at the federal level, must show the will to act swiftly and consistently.”
Obi concluded by reaffirming his stance on what leadership should embody and warned of the dire consequences of inaction: “I have always maintained that Nigeria works best when leadership is driven by compassion, competence, and courage. Governor Zulum has shown all three. The Federal Government must now do the same. If we fail to protect Borno, we fail the idea of Nigeria itself.”
He stressed that the security crisis transcends politics, asserting: “This is not about politics. It is about people. It is about protecting the soul of our nation. Let us act quickly, decisively, and justly.”
