Insecurity Worsening, Nigeria Bleeding and Confused, Minority Reps Tell Tinubu

By Margaret Abah

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of failing to address worsening insecurity, economic hardship and threats to democratic institutions, alleging that the government is placing greater emphasis on preparations for the 2027 elections than on the welfare of Nigerians.

Addressing journalists at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Wednesday, House Minority Leader, Fred Agbedi, said the country was passing through one of its most difficult periods since the return to democracy in 1999.

“Nigeria is bleeding, Nigeria is confused and Nigeria is being deliberately pushed to the brink by a government that has elevated 2027 electioneering above the lives and welfare of citizens,” Agbedi said.

He stated that the opposition lawmakers could not remain silent in the face of growing insecurity, rising poverty and widespread public frustration.

The caucus cited the recent death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was reportedly abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State before dying in captivity, describing the incident as evidence of the deteriorating security situation in the country.

According to Agbedi, the death of the retired military officer was a national embarrassment and a reflection of the failure of the state to guarantee the safety of its citizens.

“If a General is not safe within the borders of our nation, then who truly is?” he asked.

The lawmakers also expressed concern over the continued captivity of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, calling for an immediate and coordinated rescue operation.

They urged President Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to unveil a comprehensive security strategy, improve the welfare of security personnel and overhaul the nation’s security architecture.

The caucus further raised concerns over recent judicial developments, particularly the Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of five opposition political parties.

Agbedi described the ruling as capable of undermining democracy and political pluralism, alleging that opposition parties were being subjected to institutional obstacles aimed at weakening their chances ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He, however, welcomed the intervention of the Court of Appeal, which halted the implementation of the judgment.

On the economy, the lawmakers painted a grim picture of conditions across the country, citing rising inflation, soaring food prices and declining purchasing power.

According to the caucus, key economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, including fuel subsidy removal and the floating of the naira, have imposed severe hardship on Nigerians without adequate social protections.

“From Sokoto to Enugu, from Borno to Lagos, the story is the same: hunger, killings, kidnappings, collapse of the naira and collapse of hope,” Agbedi said.

The lawmakers accused the ruling All Progressives Congress and the Presidency of prioritising political activities and re-election strategies over governance.

They called on President Tinubu to suspend activities related to the 2027 elections and instead declare a six-month National Security and Economic Recovery Plan.

The caucus also demanded an independent investigation into the abduction and death of Maj. Gen. Abubakar, urgent reforms within the security sector and immediate efforts to secure the release of the abducted Oyo schoolchildren.

Agbedi vowed that opposition lawmakers would continue to hold the government accountable through constitutional and legislative means.

“We will not be silent. We will not be intimidated. We will use every legislative instrument to hold this government accountable,” he said.

He also urged Nigerians not to lose faith in democracy, insisting that the future of the country would ultimately be determined by the people.

The briefing was attended by House Minority Whip Mansur Soro, Deputy Minority Leader Abdussamad Dasuki and the leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress caucus in the House, Afam Ogene.