Afenifere Diaspora USA has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take urgent and decisive steps to address Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, warning that the country’s stability and prosperity depend on the willingness of its leaders to confront current challenges with courage and sincerity.
The group made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its general meeting on the state of the nation and made available to journalists on Thursday.
The communiqué, signed by the Chairman, Professor Sikiru Fadairo; Vice Chairman, Chief Frank Adetu; and Secretary, Comrade David Adeyinka Adenekan, said Nigeria remains a nation blessed with abundant human and natural resources, but warned that its future could be undermined if pressing national issues are not urgently addressed.
According to the group, members at the well-attended meeting deliberated extensively on critical issues affecting the peace, stability and future of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The meeting focused on the worsening security situation across the country, the rising cost of petroleum products and the economic hardship facing millions of Nigerians, as well as the need to strengthen democratic institutions and uphold the rule of law to safeguard the country’s democracy.
Following what it described as a comprehensive review of the prevailing national circumstances, Afenifere Diaspora USA expressed concern over what it called a dangerous combination of insecurity, economic distress and growing public dissatisfaction with governance.
According to the communiqué, “Nigeria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration is sitting on a keg of gunpowder.”
The organisation warned that unless the Federal Government takes urgent and decisive measures to address the country’s mounting challenges, Nigeria could face serious social, political and security consequences capable of threatening national stability and cohesion.
Highlighting insecurity as one of its major concerns, the group said the protection of lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of government.
“Self-preservation is the first law of nature. It is therefore the primary responsibility of every government to guarantee the security of lives and property,” the communiqué stated.
Afenifere Diaspora USA noted with concern that insecurity continues to spread across different parts of the country despite repeated assurances by government officials that the situation is under control.
“The organization therefore demands that the Federal Government, as a matter of utmost urgency, take decisive and measurable action to curb the escalating insecurity being perpetrated by terrorist and militia groups such as Boko Haram, Ansaru, Lakurawa, terrorist herdsmen (marauders), ISWAP, armed bandits, kidnappers, and other violent criminal elements operating across the country.”
The group maintained that restoring public confidence in government requires visible progress in securing communities and protecting citizens from violent attacks.
It added that Nigeria’s long-term peace and development would depend on responsive leadership, strong institutions and policies capable of addressing both security threats and the economic hardship confronting ordinary Nigerians.
