Insecurity not due to weak leadership, Tinubu has political will, Oshiomhole

Senator Adams Oshiomhole asserted that Nigeria's escalating insecurity stems not from a deficit in President Bola Tinubu's political will, but rather from potential issues in the execution of directives at operational levels. Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, argued that the President has consistently demonstrated political resolve by providing resources and leadership to tackle security challenges.

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What is the difficult thing in political will? The commander-in-chief give the order: Go and ensure that the country is safe. As President Bola Tinubu has done repeatedly.

Speaking at a book presentation in Abuja, Oshiomhole dismissed claims of the executive arm failing to prioritize security. He pointed to significant financial commitments, including a supplementary budget approved by the National Assembly, and administrative actions like declaring a state of emergency and replacing former service chiefs as evidence of the President's commitment. "The Commander-in-Chief decided to declare State of Emergency and even told the armed forces no more excuse," Oshiomhole said.

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I am putting my mouth where I am putting resources and he has prepared more money even supplementary budget at the National Assembly, approved. What more political will do you need?

Oshiomhole emphasized that President Tinubu possesses "political will in abundance." He stated, "There is no question that there is no political will." He urged all political actors, regardless of party affiliation, to unite on security matters, stressing that "when it comes to security, there is one Nigeria. There is no APC, no PDP, or whatever."

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The Commander-in-Chief decided to declare State of Emergency and even told the armed forces no more excuse. He even replaced the former security chiefs with these ones.

However, the senator raised concerns about the effectiveness of security directives once they reach the field. He questioned whether those carrying out orders at the operational level share the same concerns as leadership and possess the necessary equipment, morale, and allowances. "But between the commander and the other guy in the battlefield, I think it’s where we probably can benefit from relations, how the system goes, because the system works on a command basis," Oshiomhole noted, suggesting this gap might be a critical area needing attention.

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So I think all of us as a people, particularly those who are in politics, whether they are in the opposition, we need to understand that when it comes to security, there is one Nigeria. There is no APC, no PDP, or whatever.