The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential hopeful and 2023 election Presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the decision by the United States (U.S.) to evacuate its embassy staff from Nigeria, saying it is “a troubling signal of worsening insecurity and declining global confidence in the country.”
Obi, who referenced the killing of Commander, 29 Brigade, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah and 17 soldiers in Borno State, said it is further evidence of the dangerous conditions facing both civilians and security personnel.
Reiterating that the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property, Obi likened the current ruling political class in Nigeria to Nero, accusing leaders of being distracted by politics while the country grapples with deepening insecurity.
In a strongly worded statement posted on his social media platforms and titled – ‘U.S. Security Alarm on Nigeria: A Bad Omen,’ the former Governor of Anambra State said: “The recent directive by the United States to evacuate its embassy staff from Nigeria due to rising insecurity is deeply worrisome and should be treated as a national emergency, especially for a country already struggling to attract investors.
“Nigeria currently ranks fourth in the Global Terrorism Index, yet insecurity continues to worsen – lives are being lost and communities remain under constant threat. There is a glaring absence of effective governance; instead, what prevails are schemes that undermine democratic processes, as though politics has taken precedence over the safety of citizens.
“The U.S. directive is a clear signal of declining confidence in our national security architecture. Disturbingly, reports indicate the loss of yet another Army Brigadier General to terrorists in Borno earlier today. A nation where people cannot live, work, worship, or travel safely cannot progress or attract investment. The primary duty of any government is the protection of lives and property, yet in this regard, we as leaders have fallen short over the years.
“Our failure continues to place immense strain on our troops, who make the ultimate sacrifices. Sadly, as Nigeria deteriorates, we as leaders, like Nero, remain preoccupied with politics, forgetting that without security, there is no nation to govern and no future to campaign for. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO.”
