Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has called on government officials to suspend all foreign trips until Nigeria's worsening insecurity crisis is brought under control. This plea comes in the wake of a "bloody weekend" that saw over 100 people killed across Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, and Edo states.
The Security Situation in Nigeria
Obi emphasized that Nigeria's casualty figures are now comparable to those of countries at war, highlighting the gravity of the situation. He pointed to recent incidents, including ¹:
- *The killing of eight NSCDC officers*
- *The abduction of a Chinese national in Edo*
- *The kidnapping of passengers on the Benin-Iyere-Oluku road*
- *The slaughter of five soldiers and 58 civilians in Borno*
Call to Action
Obi urged government officials to focus entirely on addressing the crisis at home, stating that "true leadership requires presence and action within the country." He emphasized that junketing around the world under the pretense of wooing investors while the country bleeds is living in denial, as investors will not come into a war zone.
Prioritizing Security
The former Anambra governor stressed that security plays a critical role in attracting foreign investments. With the current security situation in Nigeria, potential investors and partners are deterred. Obi urged the government to prioritize the fulfillment of their campaign promises and demonstrate unwavering effort to address the security challenges ¹ ².
Conclusion
In Obi's words, "We must act now, with urgency and courage, to prevent a total descent into anarchy and rebuild Nigeria into a safe, secure, and productive nation for all." By suspending foreign trips and focusing on domestic security issues, government officials can take a crucial step towards restoring peace and stability in the country.
