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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Amidst the worsening security situation in the country, speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has tasked President Bola Tinubu to demand greater performance and accountability from service chiefs and heads of security agencies.
Abbas stated this, yesterday,while welcoming members back from the Christmas break. He charged President Tinubu not to shy away from tough decisions, including making changes in the country’s security apparatus.
The speaker, while decrying the rise in kidnap for ransom and other security challenges across the country, said it is obvious that conventional approaches are no longer sufficient. According to him, it is time to adopt news strategies in responding to security issues in the country.
“I address you today not just as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, but as a concerned citizen, deeply troubled by the widespread insecurity that grips our country. Indeed, Nigeria stands at a crucial juncture, facing formidable challenges that test our resolve, unity, and spirit.
“The threats of insurgency are severely testing the peace and stability of our country, the rise in kidnapping for ransom and the unsettling unrest and crises across all the six geo-political zones.Families and communities have endured immense hardships, and our hearts go out to all those affected by these tumultuous events.
“We are particularly saddened by the tragic and senseless murder of our daughters, Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar and Folorunsho Ariyo, the heinous murder of over 30 people in Plateau State, as well as many others who have fallen victim to the mindless acts of terror in the last few weeks. We also remember those who lost their lives in the blast in Ibadan triggered by explosives stored by illegal miners.
“For too long, our nation has been caught in the vicious grip of insecurity, a malaise that spreads its tentacles far and wide, sparing no one in its wake. Despite numerous security measures, this menace continues to thrive, mocking our efforts and challenging our resolve to build a cohesive, peaceful and prosperous nation.
“It is a stark reminder that the conventional approaches to security we have espoused for so long are no longer sufficient. The time has come to think out of the box and adopt new and contemporary strategies that better respond to the complexities of our current challenges” he stated.
Furthermore, Abbas, while commending the security forces for their heroism and sacrifice, urged them to review their approaches and strategies.
According to him, “The enemy evolves, and so must we. I challenge you to rise to this occasion, to demonstrate the indomitable spirit for which you are known, and to do more in safeguarding the lives and properties of our people.. .
“Indeed, the time has come for the President to demand greater performance and accountability from our service chiefs and all security and enforcement agencies. I implore the President not to shy away from making the tough decisions. If necessary, we must not hesitate to enact changes within our security apparatus, for the cost of inaction is far too great to bear. “
