By Desmond Ogbonmwan
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has alleged that enemies of President Bola Tinubu are sponsoring insecurity across Nigeria in an attempt to undermine the country’s democracy and tarnish the achievements of the current administration.
Akpabio made the remarks on Saturday during the public presentation of three books in honour of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), as part of activities marking his 84th birthday celebration in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Senate President praised Abdulsalami for his role in Nigeria’s democratic transition and said the country remains indebted to leaders who laid the foundation for democratic governance.
According to Akpabio, some individuals are deliberately fueling insecurity to create the impression that Nigeria’s democracy is failing under President Tinubu’s administration.
“I must say that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is grappling with a lot of enemies of progress, of what you left behind. Today, many are sponsoring insecurity in our country to paint our democracy in a bad colour,” he said.
The Senate President, however, expressed confidence that security agencies would eventually overcome the challenges confronting the country.
“But I can tell you that with the determination of men and women in uniform, that the enemies we see today, we shall see them no more,” Akpabio added.
Akpabio Optimistic About Security Efforts
Akpabio maintained that the government remains committed to defeating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality threatening lives and livelihoods across the country.
He also expressed optimism that Nigeria would eventually overcome poverty and reclaim its position as a leading nation on the African continent.
“We will definitely defeat terrorism. We will defeat poverty in this country. And Nigeria will take its rightful place in the global community,” he stated.
Tribute to Abdulsalami Abubakar
The Senate President described Abdulsalami Abubakar as one of the architects of modern Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Abubakar assumed office as Head of State in June 1998 following the death of General Sani Abacha and supervised the transition programme that led to the return of democratic rule in May 1999.
Since leaving office, the retired army general has played key roles in peace-building efforts across Africa and currently serves as Chairman of Nigeria’s National Peace Committee.
Growing Security Concerns
Akpabio’s comments come amid continued concerns over insecurity in several parts of Nigeria.
Despite government assurances, communities in states such as Benue, Plateau, Zamfara, Katsina, Borno, Sokoto, and Kebbi have continued to experience attacks linked to banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
Recent reports by civil society organisations and security analysts have highlighted the human and economic cost of the crisis, with thousands of lives lost and many communities displaced.
The issue remains one of the most pressing challenges facing the country and is expected to feature prominently in national political discussions ahead of future elections.
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