Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, a federal lawmaker, has strongly criticized his National Assembly colleagues. He condemned their approach to the nation’s ongoing security crisis.

Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary, Abaribe stated his colleagues often focus on the past. He believes they should address present challenges instead. He specifically noted that ruling party lawmakers frequently compare current insecurity to events in 2015. This was when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was in power.

Abaribe argued these comparisons are unnecessary. He stressed that the two security scenarios are distinct.

Abaribe also questioned President Bola Tinubu’s leadership. He criticized Tinubu for not using his power as Commander-in-Chief. This power, he said, should investigate claims made by the Kebbi State governor. The governor had alleged that a higher authority ordered troops to leave Maga village. This happened before bandits abducted 25 schoolgirls.

“Do The Right Thing!” – Abaribe’s Demands

Abaribe expressed frustration with calls for patriotism. He highlighted the double standard. “We are told daily to be patriotic,” he stated. “We are advised not to speak against certain issues. We are told to forget the past and focus on now.”

Yet, he pointed out, lawmakers on the floor often revert to the past. They say things like, “Oh, Chibok girls happened in 2015. Now people are being rescued. People were not rescued then.”

He reminded them of key differences. “During Chibok, 17 local governments in Katsina were not collaborating with bandits. Kebbi residents were not fleeing rural areas for cities. People in Niger were not being kidnapped.”

He questioned the constant search for excuses for current failures. “Why do we always seek past excuses for today’s failures? We should be discussing current issues.”

Abaribe urged lawmakers to “do the right thing.” He clarified, “We are not blaming this government for the situation it inherited. However, it is the government in power. They must do the right thing.”