Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has criticised what he described as the Federal Government’s reactive approach to addressing insecurity, insisting that Nigeria’s worsening security situation requires a holistic and coordinated strategy rather than piecemeal interventions.
Obi made the remarks in a statement titled “What Our Pervasive Insecurity Requires: A Holistic, Not Reactive Approach,” where he expressed concern over reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the recruitment of about 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State. He described the decision as reflective of weak coordination in governance and national security planning.
According to the former Anambra State governor, while expanding security manpower is necessary, such measures must be anchored on a clear national framework rather than ad hoc decisions that respond to isolated incidents.
He drew comparisons with past policy decisions such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the devaluation of the naira, arguing that poorly coordinated reforms have continued to impose economic hardship on citizens and undermine national stability.
Obi noted that insecurity has become a nationwide challenge affecting several states across different regions, listing Oyo, Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, Borno, Katsina, Anambra, Niger, Imo and Sokoto as areas experiencing significant security threats.
He questioned whether the approval granted to Oyo State would be extended to other states and the Federal Capital Territory or whether such decisions were being made selectively.
”Would such approval be extended uniformly across all states, amounting to about 37,000 forest guards nationwide, or are such critical security decisions dependent on presidential discretion?” he queried.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate also raised concerns about the possible overlap or implications for regional security structures, including the Amotekun Corps in the South-West.
He argued that the country’s security challenges are rooted in leadership failure, adding that more than 10,000 Nigerians have reportedly been killed since 2023 as a result of insecurity.
Obi maintained that addressing the crisis requires what he described as an ecosystem-based approach that integrates governance reform, economic development, youth employment, and social stability.
He further stated that weaknesses in leadership have continued to affect key sectors of the economy, including agriculture, industrialisation, tourism, mineral development and other areas with the potential to create jobs and drive growth.
Despite the challenges, Obi expressed optimism that Nigeria can still achieve sustainable prosperity if guided by responsible and coordinated leadership.
