Quick Summary:
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo criticises Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, saying persistent state failure to protect lives now warrants international assistance.
Obasanjo Issues Strong Warning on Insecurity
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has delivered one of his strongest public criticisms of Nigeria’s handling of insecurity, warning that the state’s persistent failure to protect citizens could now justify international intervention.
Speaking on Friday at the Plateau State Unity Christmas Carols in Jos, Obasanjo said the scale and persistence of killings, kidnappings, and attacks across the country show that Nigeria’s security architecture is no longer capable of confronting the threats it faces.
“Insecurity has been with us for years, but what we have witnessed since the Chibok girls’ kidnapping is a continuous decline, from bad to worse,” he said.
“The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. When a government cannot deliver that, citizens have the right to seek help from the international community.”
Condemns Politicisation and Sectarian Framing of Killings
Obasanjo condemned efforts to frame the violence along religious or ethnic lines, describing such narratives as “nonsensical” and dangerous.
“We are being killed as Nigerians, not as Christians or Muslims, not as northerners or southerners,” he said.
He warned that justifying killings by comparing casualties among different groups is unacceptable, insisting that the state must act decisively to end the bloodshed.
Calls for Accountability and Action
The former president stressed that prayer alone is not a security strategy, urging leaders at all levels to take practical steps to halt the violence.
“We must pray, but we must also work. Governments at all levels must do what is necessary to stop the violence,” he said.
Obasanjo called for accountability across all tiers of leadership, noting that failure to act has emboldened criminal groups and deepened public despair.
Plateau Governor Preaches Unity Amid Violence
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State urged residents to embrace unity as the foundation for peace and security.
He lamented that internal divisions have hindered progress despite the state’s abundant resources and cultural diversity.
Calling for an end to conflicts and mutual distrust, Mutfwang appealed to citizens to focus on shared values and become one another’s keepers.
He formally opened the Unity Christmas Carols Festival, dedicating it to strengthening harmony and building a secure, prosperous Plateau for all.
Religious Leaders Express Hope for Nigeria
Amos Mohzo, President of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), expressed optimism that Nigeria will overcome its current challenges despite the growing threats.
He commended the Plateau State Government for sustaining the Unity Christmas Carols initiative amid security pressures, describing it as a symbol of resilience and faith in the face of adversity.