Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has reacted to the recent designation by the United States Government involving certain Nigerian individuals and entities linked to terrorism and insecurity, emphasizing that the country’s security challenges did not begin with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement issued on Monday, Obi said Nigeria’s long-standing insecurity crisis is the result of years of systemic failure, poor leadership, and neglect of critical sectors, rather than the product of any single government.
“The growing insecurity in Nigeria has been decades in the making. It did not start with President Tinubu’s administration, but it is the responsibility of this government to show leadership in addressing it,” Obi stated.
The former Anambra governor stressed that successive governments have failed to implement sustainable security reforms, resulting in the escalation of **banditry, terrorism, and communal violence** across the country.
He further noted that the U.S. designation serves as a serious warning to Nigeria’s leaders to strengthen institutions, ensure accountability, and address the underlying causes of instability.
“The U.S. action is a reflection of how the world perceives our fight against insecurity. It should be a wake-up call to rebuild trust, restore law and order, and guarantee justice for victims of violence,” he added.
Obi reiterated that insecurity cannot be tackled through military force alone, calling for a comprehensive national approach that addresses unemployment, education, poverty, and corruption — factors he described as “fuel to the flames of instability.”
He urged the Tinubu administration to collaborate with state governments, community leaders, and civil society organizations to develop a coordinated, long-term security strategy.
“Nigeria needs a new vision of leadership that places human life and welfare at the center of governance. Until we do that, insecurity will continue to threaten our unity and global image,” he warned.
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Obi’s remarks have sparked mixed reactions across political circles, with some praising his objective tone while others accused him of downplaying the present administration’s responsibilities.
Nonetheless, his comments add to the growing national conversation about how Nigeria can overcome its chronic security crisis and rebuild citizens’ confidence in government.
