In a powerful address during a special plenary session dedicated to national security, the Speaker of Nigeria's House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen Abbas, has called on citizens to remain resolute and united in the face of recent terrorist and bandit attacks.
High-Level Security Dialogue
The crucial session, held on Tuesday at the House chambers, witnessed an unprecedented gathering of domestic and international stakeholders. Officials from the United States Embassy were in attendance, alongside the Speaker of the Parliament of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Rt. Hon. Lanien Blanchette, Members of Parliament, Cabinet Ministers, and representatives from various civil society organisations.
This high-level meeting comes just weeks after former U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the persistent killings in Nigeria and indicated America's readiness to deploy military assistance if the Nigerian government proves unable to halt the violence perpetrated by jihadist groups.
A Call for National Resolve and Vigilance
Speaker Abbas described the recent wave of violence as a deeply troubling escalation designed to destabilise the nation. He characterised the attacks as coordinated efforts targeting soft and vulnerable populations with the primary aim of instilling widespread fear and weakening public confidence in institutions.
"The events of the past week reveal a deeply troubling escalation in violence across several states," Abbas stated. "The various attacks are not only coordinated but also designed to destabilise our country. They aim to create the impression that violent groups can act without restraint."
He urged the nation to reject this tactic of fear, emphasising that Nigeria must stand firm against those advancing evil ideologies through cruelty and spectacle.
The Dual Threat of Violence and Misinformation
Beyond the physical violence, the Speaker issued a stern warning about the dangerous rise of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation. He highlighted that the abuse of social media platforms could severely exacerbate tensions, cause panic, and ultimately undermine security efforts.
"Alongside the violence, another threat is emerging," Abbas cautioned. "False information spreads rapidly. Unverified claims and fake images can escalate tension and undermine security efforts. Misleading posts on social media can inflame communities, cause panic, and erode trust in institutions."
He strongly advised Nigerians to rely exclusively on official sources and reputable news outlets for accurate information. He also called on fellow Members of the House to exercise caution in their communications, ensuring their words promote stability rather than adding to public confusion.
Executive Leadership and Security Reforms
Abbas clarified that the House's decision to suspend all other legislative matters to focus exclusively on security was neither a symbolic nor a procedural gesture. Instead, he stated, it reflects the seriousness of the moment and the lawmakers' duty to represent their constituents' pressing security concerns.
The Speaker commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating decisive leadership, particularly noting the President's decision to postpone his scheduled trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa to directly address the security crises.
"Acting squarely on the firm directives of the President, our security forces responded swiftly and courageously," Abbas affirmed. "The President's decision to postpone his scheduled and widely publicised trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa to confront the current challenges directly set the tone for a more coordinated national response."
He further stressed that the administration's swift response and determination to rescue abducted citizens align with President Tinubu's recent remarks at the Arewa Consultative Forum, where the President expressed that nothing troubles him more gravely than the security situation in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region.
Abbas reported that the Tinubu administration has initiated significant reforms to the nation's security architecture, resulting in improved coordination among services and a more deliberate effort to regain the initiative against violent groups.
Evidence indicates these reforms are yielding positive results, with thousands of captives freed, high-ranking commanders of violent networks eliminated, and millions of displaced persons successfully returning to their home communities.
Concluding his address, Speaker Abbas emphasised that at this critical juncture, Nigerians expect leadership that transcends partisanship. He asserted that the parliamentary debate must reinforce the collective commitment to every citizen's safety while supporting the efforts of the President and the Executive branch.
