*From Boko Haram Insurgency To Growing ISWAP Threat, Kidnapping Crisis, Unchecked Violence In Our Rural Communities By Heavily Armed Bandits, Nigerians Are Dying Daily While Those In Power Continue To Feast, He Says
*’Nigerians Must Refuse To Accept Terrorism As Norm’
The latest Global Terrorism Index ranking, which places Nigeria among the most terrorised nations in the world, has incurred the ire of presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Mr Peter Obi.
Reacting in a statement shared on his X handle today, the popular politician described the report as a painful indictment of failed leadership, noting that Nigeria recorded one of the highest increases in deaths linked to terrorism.
He stated: “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.”
He lamented that while many countries are making progress in reducing terrorism, Nigeria is experiencing the opposite trend.
“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 added.
The 2027 presidential hopeful pointed to ongoing security threats across the country, including insurgency and widespread violence.
His words: “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.”
Putting the role of government under the microscope, Obi stated: “What is the purpose of government if it cannot protect lives?
“Why are we normalizing tragedy while other nations make progress?”
Calling for urgent action, he stressed that the situation must not be accepted as normal.
“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.
Emphasizing citizens’ right to safety, Obi urged that “a safe and secure Nigeria is not too much to ask; it is the right of every citizen, and it must be delivered.”
*PHOTO CAPTION: Obi.
