Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, a prominent federal lawmaker, has strongly criticized his colleagues in the National Assembly. His condemnation targets their approach to Nigeria’s escalating security crisis.
Speaking during a plenary session on Wednesday, Senator Abaribe stated a key concern. He accused his fellow lawmakers of focusing too much on past events. They neglect current security challenges, he noted.
He specifically pointed out lawmakers from the ruling party. They consistently compare today’s insecurity with the situation in 2015. At that time, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governed Nigeria, Abaribe explained.
Abaribe argued against these comparisons. He insisted that the security scenarios then and now are distinct. Therefore, drawing parallels is unhelpful, he added.
Senator Abaribe also directed criticism towards President Bola Tinubu. He faulted the President for not using his authority as Commander-in-Chief. The President, Abaribe said, should investigate claims made by the Kebbi State governor. The governor alleged a “higher authority” ordered troops to vacate Maga village. This occurred just before bandits abducted 25 schoolgirls.
“Let Us Do The Right Thing”
Abaribe expressed his frustration, stating, “We are constantly told to be patriotic. We are urged not to speak against certain issues. We are also told to ignore the past and focus on the present.”
He then highlighted the inconsistency. “On this floor, instead of discussing current matters, we revert to the past,” he observed. “We recall 2015, when the Chibok girls were abducted. We then boast about present rescue operations. Yet, people were not rescued back then,” he lamented.
Abaribe drew stark contrasts. “During the Chibok incident, bandits did not control 17 local governments in Katsina,” he pointed out. “Kebbi residents were not fleeing rural areas for urban centers. People in Niger State were not being kidnapped,” he added.
He questioned the rationale behind these comparisons. “Why do we always return to the past?” he asked. “We seek excuses for our current failures, instead of addressing them directly.”
Abaribe concluded with a call to action. “Let us simply do the right thing,” he urged. “We do not blame this government for inheriting these challenges. However, as the government in power, they must take appropriate action,” he emphasized.
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