Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has called on Nigerians to rise above political, ethnic and religious divisions and unite in a common front against the escalating insecurity facing the country.
Agbese said terrorists, bandits and criminal networks are exploiting national fault lines to strengthen their operations, stressing that only a united citizenry can effectively support the military and security agencies in restoring peace.
Speaking in an interview with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, the Benue All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker warned that Nigeria’s enemies thrive when citizens retreat into partisan or tribal camps instead of standing together as patriots.
“We must come together as one nation, not as political parties or tribal bigots to address insecurity.
“We must unite as patriots and nationalists to join the armed forces in fighting those who threaten our collective existence,” he said.
Agbese said criminals are emboldened by the divisions among Nigerians and are using them to “perpetuate their evil against humanity,” adding that insecurity has become a national crisis that cannot be solved by government alone.
“Insecurity does not know tribe, religion or political party. This is a battle for our survival as a people. We must unite, or we risk losing the country we all call home”, he said.
According to him, a holistic approach requiring civic cooperation, intelligence sharing, community vigilance and joint ownership of the national security agenda is urgently needed.
He commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for coordinating the security forces in tackling the escalating security challenges bedevilling the country.
“Our Armed Forces are doing their best, but they cannot win this battle without the support, courage and unity of the people. The CDS particularly, should be commended for leading from the front. His short period of taken charge as the CDS has recorded remarkable achievements across the various Theatre of Commands of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“Troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces under the control of Gen Oluyede, have in recent times neutralised hundreds of terrorists, rescued kidnapped victims and recovered arms and ammunitions in their various operations nationwide.
“Every Nigerian has a role to play, from the community level to the national space. We must close ranks and confront this challenge as one,” Agbese added.
The lawmaker also commended the professionalism of the newly appointed service chiefs, urging them to talk less and stay focused on their duties.
“The Armed forces is the last hope of the common man. They must learn to talk less; stay away from politics and completely focused on the task ahead.
“These new service chiefs are showing the way. We had highly professional chiefs in the recent who said nothing but ensured that we cleared the country of Boko Haram terrorists”, he said.
The Deputy Spokesperson stressed that the House of Representatives remains committed to providing legislative backing and oversight to strengthen the nation’s security architecture, but urged citizens to complement government actions by rejecting divisive rhetoric and working together to protect their communities.
He commended Speaker Abbas Tajudeen for his initiative of dedicating plenary sessions to debate the security challenges bedevilling the country with a view to proffering solutions to the menace.
“The Speaker has shown himself to be a true leader, who not only sympathise with the people but empathise with them. He led a team to Kebbi State few days ago to identified with the people and also made donations to the family of the abducted girls on behalf of the House. That is quite commendable”, he said.
The lawmaker equally commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the strong leadership he has shown in the past few weeks, ensuring the safe rescue of the worshippers who were kidnapped from Eruku in Kwara, and the school girls who were abducted from Maga in Kebbi State.
Agbese expressed optimism that the remaining children abducted from a Catholic school in Niger State will also be safely rescued as well, with the momentum the government and security agencies have deployed in addressing the matter.