Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has criticised the rising insecurity in Borno State. He recently expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the Marte area of the state, describing it as unsettling.
Speaking via his social media page, Obi urged the Federal Government to immediately send reinforcements to back the efforts being made by troops on the ground.
According to him, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, deserves praise for what he has done to restore normalcy in the troubled area, and his brave decision to not only visit, but stay with his people in the war-torn region, should be celebrated.
Peter Obi applauded Governor Zulum for demonstrating what leadership should look like, reiterating that his action is a challenge to others in power to always match their words with decisive action.
The former Anambra State Governor maintained that the security situation in Borno State is not just a local emergency, but a national alarm bell that cannot be ignored.
“The security situation in Borno state is concerning and very unsettling. What is happening in the Marte area of the state is not just a local emergency; it is a national alarm bell that must not be ignored.
Governor Babagana Zulum, by choosing to spend the night in a town under threat, has once again demonstrated what leadership should look like: present, proactive, and people-centred. His courage is not for commendation alone; it is a challenge to those in authority to match words with decisive action.
We cannot claim to be building a secure and united Nigeria when one of our own, a sitting governor, is left pleading for federal support to prevent an entire local government from falling into the hands of terrorists.
Over 300 communities stand exposed, while more than 20,000 of our fellow Nigerians are displaced yet again. These are not just numbers, they are families, children, and communities whose hopes are hanging by a thread,” he said.
Obi further noted that Nigeria cannot afford to keep practising the culture of delayed response and distant governance, citing the lack of reinforcement for the security forces presently restoring order in the region.
He stated that displaced Nigerian citizens need protection, not promises, and it is up to the leaders, especially at the federal level, to show the will to act quickly and consistently.
“Governor Zulum has raised critical concerns: that insurgents are regrouping around Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills; that Marte is on the verge of collapse; and that the window for action is closing. These are facts. And it is not enough to acknowledge them; we must respond with urgency and sincerity.
We cannot afford to continue this culture of delayed response and distant governance. Our security forces need reinforcements.
Our displaced citizens need protection, not promises. And our leaders, particularly at the federal level, must show the will to act swiftly and consistently.
I have always maintained that Nigeria works best when leadership is driven by compassion, competence, and courage. Governor Zulum has shown all three. The Federal Government must now do the same. If we fail to protect Borno, we fail the idea of Nigeria itself.
This is not about politics. It is about people. It is about protecting the soul of our nation. Let us act quickly, decisively, and justly,” he added.
