Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has launched a scathing criticism against his fellow lawmakers in the National Assembly for their perceived failure to properly address the worsening security situation across Nigeria.
Senate Floor Confrontation
During a passionate address on the Senate floor on Wednesday, November 26, the senator expressed frustration with colleagues who consistently compare current security challenges with those experienced in 2015 when the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held power.
Abaribe firmly stated that such comparisons are unnecessary and unhelpful, emphasizing that the nature of insecurity has significantly evolved since that period.
Specific Security Failures Highlighted
The lawmaker particularly questioned President Bola Tinubu's failure to utilize his position as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to investigate serious claims made by the Kebbi state governor.
According to the governor's account, a higher authority had ordered troops to vacate Maga village just before the abduction of 25 school girls by bandits. Abaribe expressed dismay that this serious allegation remains uninvestigated.
In his direct words from the Senate proceedings, Abaribe challenged the constant calls for patriotism that seem to discourage criticism of the current administration's handling of security matters.
Contrasting Past and Present Realities
The senator provided a stark comparison between the security landscape during the Chibok girls incident and the current situation:
- During Chibok, 17 local governments in Katsina were not controlled by bandits
- Residents in Kebbi were not forced to abandon rural areas for urban centers
- People in Niger State were not experiencing mass kidnappings
He questioned why lawmakers consistently revert to historical comparisons rather than focusing on solving present challenges.
"Why do we, at any time we need to talk about the present issues of today, go back to start to look for excuses for our failures of today?" Abaribe demanded.
Call for Concrete Action
The senator clarified that his criticism wasn't about blaming the government for inherited problems, but rather holding them accountable for their current response.
He specifically pointed to the Kebbi incident as a prime example requiring immediate investigation, stating that as Commander-in-Chief, he would have demanded answers from military leadership about who authorized the troop withdrawal that endangered the school children.
"A country is not run on pacification. It is run on confronting issues," Abaribe declared, emphasizing the need for decisive action rather than mere discussion.
The senator's bold statements have sparked renewed debate about parliamentary responsibility in addressing Nigeria's persistent security challenges.
