Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has decried the resurgence of insecurity in Borno State, hobbled by the devastating Boko Haram insurgency since July 2009.
Although the nation has had to contend with the Boko Haram menace for that long, its pressure on the population eased at a point, following the military’s admittedly operational gains against the sect.
But, there would appear to have been a resurgence of violence and killings by the anti-Western education Islamists in recent time, fueling speculations of local and international conspiracy against any successful military campaign against the terror group.
A recent report by Daily Trust newspaper, for instance, detailed how about 90 farmers were killed by Boko Haram in Borno in the past five months.
According to Obi, the security situation in the Marte area of Borno is really unsettling and calls for emergency action.
The LP standards bearer commended Governor Babagana Zulum for his apparent commitment to stemming the tide of insecurity in that troubled part of his State by “courageously relocating to the troubled area”, urging the federal government to address the emergency situation in Borno, a critical Northeast State, without further delay.
Writing on his X handle, Obi said: “The security situation in Borno State is concerning and very unsettling. What is happening in the Marte area of the State is not just a local emergency; it is a national alarm bell that must not be ignored. Governor Babagana Zulum, by choosing to spend the night in a town under threat, has once again demonstrated what leadership should look like: present, proactive, and people-centred. His courage is not for commendation alone; it is a challenge to those in authority to match words with decisive action.
“We cannot claim to be building a secure and united Nigeria when one of our own, a sitting governor, is left pleading for federal support to prevent an entire local government from falling into the hands of terrorists. Over 300 communities stand exposed, while more than 20,000 of our fellow Nigerians are displaced yet again. These are not just numbers, they are families, children, and communities whose hopes are hanging by a thread.
“Governor Zulum has raised critical concerns: that insurgents are regrouping around Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills; that Marte is on the verge of collapse, and that the window for action is closing. These are facts. And it is not enough to acknowledge them; we must respond with urgency and sincerity.
“We cannot afford to continue this culture of delayed response and distant governance. Our security forces need reinforcements. Our displaced citizens need protection, not promises. And our leaders, particularly at the federal level, must show the will to act swiftly and consistently.
“I have always maintained that Nigeria works best when leadership is driven by compassion, competence, and courage. Governor Zulum has shown all three. The federal government must now do the same. If we fail to protect Borno, we fail the idea of Nigeria itself.
“This is not about politics. It is about people. It is about protecting the soul of our nation.
Let us act quickly, decisively, and justly.
“A new Nigeria is POssible.”
