Insecurity: Nigerians on a razor edge, says Bode George

Insecurity: Nigerians on a razor edge, says Bode George

Former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Bode George, has warned that the recent waves of kidnappings and insecurity are pushing Nigerians to the limit.

According to him, any little push can lead to disintegration.

George, in a statement on Monday advised the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to urgently tackle the escalating insecurity saying Nigeria must be restructured.

Bode George noted that the present government had failed Nigerians.

His statement read in part, “In the wake of the alarming escalation of insecurity and the recent waves of kidnappings terrorising Nigerians, it has become imperative for us to address the critical questions Nigerians are asking.  The pertinent question Nigerians are asking today is: What exactly is going on in our country?

“Nigerians are looking to the government to instill security amidst the fear and atrocious crimes being committed in Nigeria, which is destroying the security and stability of our nation, making Nigeria very volatile and a threat to the personal safety of Nigerians.

“The sudden increase and high prevalence rate of innocent lives lost, suffered by Nigerian communities, is not only tragic but has made it almost impossible to attract the much needed international economic investment that can only prevail in a politically stable environment.

“Nigerians are perpetually engulfed with fear and so they are asking what is happening to the government in power.

“Why are they refusing to put the national security of this nation front and centre of their political agenda? The government of the day has failed Nigerians once again.

“With the recent killing of more than 200 people in Plateau State during the Christmas season, in addition to the rampant abduction of citizens every day, Nigerians are now forced to look for tens of millions of naira in cash to pay off ransoms.

“I am also asking the same critical question: Whither Nigeria? The fundamental duty of government, anywhere in the world, is the protection of lives and properties of its citizens.

“It also must put adequate well-coordinated security plans that prioritise national security and ensure an atmosphere; peaceful and conducive for its citizens.

“Pitiably, this is not the case in our country today. On the roads, on the farms, in the market, even in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the seat of government, it seems terrorists and kidnappers have now taken the battle to the city of power.

“What is the government doing to eliminate this plague of insecurity in the land? How do we develop the economy and catapult economic growth when Nigerians and foreigners/investors have become endangered species in the hands of killers?

“The lack of urgency to promptly tackle banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and insecurity in the land gives me grave concern, anxiety and distress. This hydra-headed problem is not being tackled by the government. It has now become a crime for Nigerians to move from one place to the other. How long will Nigerians endure this?

“Kidnapping for ransom is already creating fear all over the country. Leaders in the country must not just bombard Nigerians with the semantics of ‘We are on top of the situation’.

“Those in authority must show leadership qualities, and as a popular saying goes: The only thing necessary for evil to triumph in Nigeria is that good citizens watch silently and do nothing.

“Elders in the country must stand up and advise the government appropriately on actions that will ensue peace and stability in the land.”