By Doris Israel Ijeoma
The Labour Party (LP) has expressed dissatisfaction with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, over his recent remarks claiming a reduction in insecurity in Nigeria.
In a statement issued by the LP’s Acting National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party criticized Ribadu’s comments, calling them hasty assertions and highlighting the worsening security situation in the country.
The LP emphasized that insecurity has continued to escalate, pointing out unresolved cases of abductions and terrorist attacks.
The party highlighted the plight of the Chibok school girls, with more than 80 of them spending over nine years in captivity since their abduction in 2014.
They also mentioned the case of Leah Sharibu and other individuals still held captive, as well as the March 2022 terror attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train, which resulted in several deaths and the abduction of 60 passengers.
Furthermore, the LP raised concerns about the allocation of significant budgetary funds for security purposes.
They mentioned that over $1 billion had been spent on acquiring weapons since President Buhari assumed office in 2015. Despite such expenditures, the security situation has not improved significantly.
The party also highlighted the booming business of kidnapping, stating that substantial ransom payments had been made over the years, amounting to billions of Naira.
The LP supported the government’s acknowledgment that tackling insecurity should be a priority, emphasizing that the primary responsibility of any government is to ensure the security of lives and property.
They referred to the constitutional provision in Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution, stating that the security and welfare of the people should be the primary purpose of the government.
The LP criticized the previous administration led by President Buhari’s All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that it had failed woefully in providing security.
They urged the current administration to rise above political interests and prioritize pushing back against insecurity. The party emphasized that a secure nation is essential for attracting the much-needed investments to Nigeria.
Referring to recent security incidents, the LP dismissed Ribadu’s claims of improved security.
They cited an attack in Dambia town, Borno State, where five people were killed and 11 injured by suspected terrorists.
Additionally, they mentioned an attack on worshippers in Ogun State, resulting in the death of a pentecostal pastor and the abduction of seven worshippers. The party also highlighted the loss of lives, injuries, and kidnappings in Kaduna, Niger, and Zamfara states due to banditry and other criminal activities.
The LP acknowledged the capacity and capability of the new security chiefs, including the NSA, but stressed that action is needed rather than empty promises. They expressed concerns about the politicization of the security situation and called for a focused approach to address the escalating insecurity in Nigeria.
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