•  Urges decisive military action

From Noah Ebije, Kaduna

A former Labour Party (LP) presidential aspirant, Faduri Oluwadare Joseph, popularly known as Fadojoe, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for declaring bandits and militia as terrorists, describing the move as a step in the right direction.

However, Fadojoe urged the Federal Government to back the declaration with decisive and appropriate military action to effectively end insecurity across the country.

This position was contained in a statement issued yesterday by Rev. Emmanuel Olorunmagba, National Director of Media and Publicity of the Rescue Movement for New Nigeria, on behalf of Fadojoe, who is also the leader of the Rescue Movement For New Nigeria, also known as the Rescue The Vulnerable Initiative.

In the statement, Fadojoe said while the designation of bandits as terrorists was commendable, it would amount to mere rhetoric if not supported with strict enforcement and punishment for acts of terrorism, including action against sponsors of such crimes.

He warned that without firm implementation, the declaration could be perceived as symbolic, stressing that the primary responsibility of government remains the protection of lives and property of law-abiding citizens.

Fadojoe also raised concerns over the proposed N5.41 trillion allocation for security and defence in the N58.1 trillion 2026 budget, which represents the highest sectoral allocation.

He, therefore, questioned whether the funds would be judiciously utilised for their intended purpose or diverted through misappropriation.

According to him, misuse of security funds could worsen insecurity, as beneficiaries of such corruption may have no interest in seeing an end to violence, while innocent Nigerians continue to lose their lives.

He emphasized that Nigerians would only take the terrorist designation seriously when it is matched with visible and effective military operations against armed groups.

While reiterating his support for the president’s action, Fadojoe cautioned against misuse of the declaration, calling on authorities to ensure that it is strictly limited to armed non-state actors operating outside state authority, including bandits, militias, armed gangs, violent cults, forest-based armed groups and foreign-linked mercenaries.

He further warned that the policy should not be weaponised against political opponents or critics, noting that constructive opposition and criticism are essential elements of a functioning democracy.