A former Coordinator of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Earl Osaro Onaiwu, has urged the political class across party lines to rally behind the Federal Government’s ongoing security efforts, warning against politicising national security challenges.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, Onaiwu said insecurity is non-partisan, religiously neutral, and indiscriminate in its impact, stressing that political actors must eschew partisan considerations in matters affecting national safety and stability.
He cautioned that a lack of unified political support for security operations could expand ungoverned spaces across the country, with potential consequences for democratic processes, including elections. According to him, the conduct of credible elections is contingent on the existence of a secure and functioning state.
Onaiwu commended the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for what he described as effective coordination and strategic leadership in streamlining security policies and engagements aimed at tackling insecurity nationwide.
He cited the recent delivery of military hardware to Nigeria by the United States Government as evidence of progress, attributing the development to the NSA’s sustained international engagements, including his recent visit to the United States.
“The moment calls for patriotism. Regardless of party affiliation, every responsible political leader must support the ongoing security efforts coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser,” Onaiwu said.
“Insecurity does not recognise political parties, religion, or social status. Nigerians, particularly the political class, should therefore lend their support, offer constructive solutions, and mobilise public backing for the government’s security initiatives.”
He also welcomed renewed military and police operations against terrorists and bandits, noting that the intensified onslaught demonstrates the Federal Government’s resolve to restore peace and safeguard citizens’ welfare.
Onaiwu urged citizens to support security agencies by providing timely intelligence from their communities and refraining from spreading misinformation that could undermine ongoing efforts.
In addition, he called on state governors to complement federal initiatives by supporting the NSA’s security strategy and providing sustained logistical and equipment support to the military and police to address security challenges within their respective states.
