In a bold move, the Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairmen has made a direct appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to take decisive action against security agency heads who fail to fulfill their duties. This call to arms, articulated by the forum’s secretary, Alphonsus Eba, follows a worrisome rise in kidnapping incidents across the nation, casting a shadow over the country’s security landscape.
During a crucial meeting at the State House in Abuja, Eba emphasized the urgent need for accountability, stating, “Where a District Police Officer, a Commissioner of Police, or any official in charge of security at any level is found wanting, Mr. President should wield the big stick.” This statement reflects the forum’s determination to see a significant overhaul in the approach to national security.
Recent reports from the United Nations have shed light on the alarming frequency of kidnappings, including a harrowing incident where over 200 individuals were abducted from an Internally Displaced Persons camp in Borno State. Such acts of terror not only devastate families but also threaten the nation’s stability. Within days, the narrative repeated itself in Kaduna and Sokoto states, with over 280 pupils and teachers.
A Troubling Trend
Two days after the Kuriga attack, over 15 children were taken hostage when gunmen invaded the Gidan Bakuso village in Sokoto State.
At about 1pm on Saturday, the terrorists seized the children from their hostel before security forces could arrive at the scene. They also kidnapped one woman from the village.
Eba, who was fielding questions on the spate of kidnappings, said, “On the kidnap of pupils in Kaduna State, yes, it forms one of the issues about the general insecurity in the country that we raised as a matter of concern with Mr. President. We said we are more concerned because from our vintage position, it is very clear there are a lot of distractions going on in this country.
“There are activities of criminals that are being perpetrated to put the government and our party in a bad light. We have commended Mr. President for the support, moral and financial, that he has given to security agencies.
“But we came with one humble piece of advice that we gave to Mr. President today as Forum chairman to say that nobody expects Mr. President as Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to carry arms and go to the battlefield.
“That is why he has his lieutenants, as security agencies in various areas and what we have told Mr. President today, by way of advice, that it is time for people to be held accountable for the actions.”
Toward a Safer Tomorrow
The APC chairmen’s visit to President Tinubu was not just a call for action but it shows their commitment to national security and the well-being of Nigerians. By advocating for a rigorous evaluation of security officials’ performance, the forum aims to catalyze a stronger, more effective response to the challenges that lie ahead.
As the nation grapples with these security crises, the APC leaders’ initiative serves as a beacon of hope. It underlines the importance of leadership, accountability, and the collective effort required to safeguard the country’s future. Furthermore, with the President’s response to this call for action eagerly anticipated, the path to a more secure and peaceful Nigeria appears on the horizon, promising a brighter tomorrow for all its citizens.
Source: Punch
