Labour Party has said the current Federal Government should not politicize the security situation in Nigeria in view of recent attacks in parts of the country.
It also warned the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu over recent claims of ‘calm’ situation in the country under the All Progressives Congress, APC-led administration.
Labour Party noted that it was not time to celebrate, as much has not changed in terms of the country’s security situation.
Acting National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Obiora Ifoh, in a statement, on Tuesday, in Abuja, said:
“The NSA was quick to suggest that ‘calm” situation in Nigeria currently implies that security in Nigeria has improved in the last one year under the present government.
“The Labour thinks that the assertion made by the NSA was done in a haste as the situation on ground still suggests otherwise. Insecurity is still surging.
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“Last Friday, no less than five persons were killed and 11 others injured after suspected terrorists fired a rocket-propelled grenade at Dambia town in Borno State.
“That same day, worshippers were reportedly attacked in Ogun State leaving behind the pentecostal pastor dead while seven worshippers kidnapped.
Scores killed in Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara states
“Scores of lives have been lost in Kaduna, Niger and Zamfara states to the bandits in some cases over unpaid levy while hundreds were either injured or kidnapped.
“There have been increasing rate of armed robbery, kidnapping and other forms of crimes in South East, South South and across the nation.
“It is, therefore, a worrisome development for anyone to begin to politicize the security situation in Nigeria. Nigeria is unsafe today and we think we should not pretend about it.
“Labour Party has no doubt about the capacity and capability of the new security chiefs particularly the NSA, who has distinguished himself in the past as a corruption fighter.
“But we think that Nigerians deserve action more that beautiful speeches and rhetorics as witnessed in the last administration.
“While that administration continued to blow its trumpet on how it had reduced insecurity or technically degraded terrorist activities, the rate of killings and kidnapping in the country was horrifying and had continued unabated.
“According to a Nigeria Security Incidents Tracker report by Beacon Consulting, a security firm, a total of 12,426 persons were abducted in Nigeria between January 1, 2021 and May 2, 2023.
“Labour Party would want to remind the security chiefs about some celebrated abductions that are still unresolved. More than 80 out of 264 Chibok school girls abducted since April 14, 2014, have spent over nine years in captivity.
Leah Sharibu, many others yet to be rescued
“Leah Sharibu and many others are still in the forest yet to be rescued. Nigerians would not be in a hurry to forget the March 2022, terror attack on Abuja-Kaduna train that led to several deaths, while 60 passengers were abducted.
“All these have continued despite huge budgetary allocation appropriated for security purpose.
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“In January 2023, the Buhari regime revealed that over $1billion had been spent on the acquisition of weapons from the United States and other countries in the fight against insurgency since it assumed office in 2015.
“Even with the huge spending, things are not getting better.
N13.662b paid as ransom in 11 years
“Part of the reason is the fact that kidnapping has becoming a booming business. A whooping sum of N13.662billion was reportedly paid as ransom to kidnappers in Nigeria within a period of 11 years, a figure which covered from June 2011 to July 11, 2022.
“Also, about N653.7million was paid as ransom in Nigeria between July 2021, and June 2022, for the release of captives.
“This is why the Labour Party supports the current administration’s assurance that tackling insecurity would be a priority.
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“The government actually does not have an option because the primary responsibility of government is to ensure the security of lives and property.
“In fact, it is the right of every citizen as stated in Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution to enjoy security of life and property.
“Succinctly put, Section 14 states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of the government.
Buhari govt failed woefully
“Buhari -led APC government failed woefully in the area of providing security and we urge you to rise above the primordial interest as was in the last government and work to push the insecurity backwards.
“Nigerians want to see in practical terms a departure from old administration the benefit of its huge investment in the security system.
“Only a secured nation can attract the much needed investments to Nigeria.”
