Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, a federal lawmaker, has strongly criticized his colleagues. He condemned their approach to the nation’s ongoing security crisis. His remarks came during a plenary session on Wednesday.

Abaribe accused lawmakers of focusing on the past. He stated they often ignore present-day realities. He noted that members of the ruling party frequently compare current insecurity with the situation in 2015. That was when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was in power.

The senator argued these comparisons are unhelpful. He stressed that today’s security challenges differ significantly. They are unlike those of a decade ago. He urged for a focus on current solutions.

Abaribe Challenges President Tinubu on Kebbi Abduction

Abaribe also directed criticism at President Bola Tinubu. He challenged the President, as Commander-in-Chief, to investigate serious allegations. These allegations were made by the Kebbi State governor. The governor claimed a “higher authority” ordered troops to leave Maga village. This happened before 25 schoolgirls were abducted by bandits.

Abaribe highlighted a perceived double standard. “We are constantly asked to be patriotic,” he stated. “We are told not to speak against certain issues. We are advised to ‘focus on the present, not the past.'”

Yet, he observed, discussions on the floor often revert to historical events. “Instead of tackling today’s problems,” Abaribe said, “lawmakers recall the Chibok girls incident from 2015. They then claim that current rescue efforts are better than those of the past.”

He pointed out key differences. “During Chibok, Katsina State did not have 17 local governments controlled by bandits,” he asserted. “People in Kebbi were not abandoning rural areas for urban centers. Residents in Niger State were not facing widespread kidnappings.”

“Why, then,” Abaribe questioned, “do we always seek excuses for our current failures? This happens whenever we need to address pressing issues.”

He concluded with a direct appeal. “Let us do the right thing,” Abaribe urged. “We are not blaming this government for the situation it inherited. However, it is the government in power. Therefore, it must take decisive action.”