Kidnapping Increased Since Tinubu Assumed Office – Peter Obi
Kidnappings Soar in Nigeria Amidst Rising Insecurity: Former Governor Peter Obi Calls for Urgent Action
In a stark revelation, former Anambra Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has attributed the alarming surge in kidnappings across Nigeria to the tenure of President Bola Tinubu, who assumed office on May 29, 2023.
Peter Obi, via his official social media handle, expressed deep concern over the escalating incidents of abductions and killings of innocent citizens, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other regions of the country.
Peter Obi accused the government of prioritizing political interests over national security, asserting that funds were being channelled to reward those who contributed to Tinubu’s electoral success instead of addressing the root causes of insecurity—poverty, inadequate education, and public discontent with military actions.
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The former governor urged the Tinubu administration to increase the defence budget, emphasizing the need to focus on addressing the fundamental issues fueling the crisis. He criticized the expenditure on sophisticated weapons systems that, in his view, failed to address the underlying problems.
In a poignant statement, Peter Obi called out critics who dismissed his constructive criticism, urging them to read a report from The Economist of London, which highlighted the grim reality of the security situation in Nigeria.
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The report shed light on the kidnapping epidemic, revealing that over 3,600 people were kidnapped in 2023 alone—a record high, with a significant spike coinciding with Tinubu’s assumption of office.
The report emphasized the need for a more comprehensive approach to security, pointing out that the current strategy, characterized by heavy spending on advanced weaponry, has not yielded the desired results.
It highlighted the prevalence of corruption within the defence budget, with some funds allegedly being siphoned off for undisclosed purposes.
Furthermore, the article underscored the importance of addressing socioeconomic issues, including poverty and education, as essential components of a holistic security strategy.
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Obi’s call for the police to take the lead in domestic security, backed by improved human intelligence, was also highlighted as a crucial step.
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As the nation grapples with the grim reality of insecurity, Obi’s critique serves as a rallying cry for a more strategic and people-centric approach to national defence, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the root causes rather than relying solely on military force.