Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has defended President Bola Tinubu over the worsening security situation in the country, insisting that the President never promised Nigerians that he would perform miracles to end insecurity.
Oshiomhole said it was unfair to place the blame for Nigeria’s long-standing security challenges solely on the current administration, arguing that insecurity did not begin under Tinubu’s government.
Speaking during an interview on Mic On Podcast, the former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said the Tinubu administration was making efforts to confront the country’s security challenges despite criticisms from some Nigerians.
According to him, President Tinubu had remained committed to his constitutional responsibility as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and had continued to support security agencies in the fight against criminal elements across the country.
“Did security or insecurity start under this government?” Oshiomhole asked.
“Can you put your hand on the Bible and say that President Bola Tinubu is not doing enough on security? He’s doing enough.
“He promised to keep Nigerians safe, he didn’t say that he would perform magic. As Commander-In-Chief, he’s able to do it.”
The senator also urged Nigerians to acknowledge the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces and other security personnel who have lost their lives while defending the country.
He said criticisms of the government should not suggest that security operatives were not making efforts to protect Nigerians.
“You must not make statements that suggest that those officers and men, commanders who have been killed in various parts of the country, particularly in the Northeast, Maiduguri, defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria and safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians, those who died confronting these notorious criminals, they are not doing something,” he said.
Oshiomhole’s comments come at a time when concerns over insecurity are growing across the country.
In recent weeks, several incidents have renewed public anxiety over the ability of security agencies to effectively tackle kidnappings, banditry and violent attacks.
One of the incidents that drew national attention was the abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State. The victims were reportedly kidnapped by armed men, raising fresh concerns about the safety of schools and educational institutions.
The incident revived memories of previous mass kidnappings of schoolchildren in different parts of the country, particularly in northern Nigeria, where such attacks have disrupted education and forced some schools to shut down temporarily.
Another development that shocked many Nigerians was the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former spokesman of the Nigerian Army and former Director of Defence Information.
The retired senior military officer was reportedly kidnapped in Katsina State and later died while in captivity.
His death sparked outrage and renewed calls for stronger action against criminal groups operating in parts of the country.
Nigeria has battled insecurity for more than a decade. The country continues to face multiple security threats, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry and mass kidnappings in the North-West, communal clashes in the North-Central region, separatist-related violence in parts of the South-East, and cult-related crimes in some southern states.
Since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu has repeatedly assured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and improving security nationwide.
The government has announced several measures aimed at strengthening security operations, including improved coordination among security agencies, the deployment of additional troops to troubled areas and the acquisition of military equipment.
However, critics argue that despite these efforts, many Nigerians still feel unsafe due to the persistence of attacks and kidnappings.
Opposition politicians and civil society groups have continued to urge the Federal Government to review its security strategy and adopt new approaches to address the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment and weak intelligence gathering.
For many Nigerians, the debate is no longer about whether efforts are being made but whether those efforts are producing the desired results.
While Oshiomhole believes the Tinubu administration deserves recognition for confronting inherited security challenges, many citizens insist that government actions should ultimately be measured by improvements in the safety of lives and property.