Philip Agbese, an opposition member of the House of Representatives, has criticised the Minority Caucus of the House’s recent calls for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step down due to the nation’s security issues, calling them politically motivated and detrimental to initiatives meant to alleviate insecurity.
Agbese, who represents Benue State’s Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, stated that combating insecurity calls for greater cooperation with security services and common national responsibility as opposed to what he described as “mere opposition rhetoric.”
The lawmaker from the Labour Party, who is also the House of Representatives’ Deputy Spokesperson, was responding to remarks attributed to Fred Agbedi, the Minority Leader of the House, who recently called on President Tinubu to either address the country’s economic and security issues or step down from office.
Calls for the president’s resignation, according to Agbese, amount to playing politics with national security at a time when security forces are stepping up operations against criminal elements around the nation.
“All Nigerians must work together to address the national issue of insecurity. “Partnership with our armed forces and security agencies is what we need at this crucial time, not rhetoric meant to score political points,” he stated.
The legislator insisted that instead of making remarks that could jeopardise ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability, opposition members should focus their efforts on supporting security institutions and providing workable solutions.
Agbese further said that rather than being motivated by a sincere concern for the well-being of Nigerians, the demand for Tinubu’s resignation was motivated more by political considerations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The demand for President Tinubu’s resignation is not motivated by patriotism. He stated, “It seems to be a part of a larger conspiracy by some political actors who are desperate to remove the President from office through every available means.”
“I am afraid the Leader of the Minority, who has not yet settled down to work, has jumped to a narrow conclusion that points to lawmakers being adversely influenced from outside the parliament by forces interested in President Tinubu’s job in 2027,” he continued. That won’t sit well with some of us in the opposition.
Agbese pointed out that Nigeria’s security issues precede the current government and call for continued dedication, better funding, intelligence collection, and collaboration from all parties involved.
soon.
The legislator from Benue praised the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces, intelligence services, and other security personnel in the battle against terrorism, banditry, abduction, and other crimes.
He emphasised that public trust and support are still crucial to winning the battle against insecurity and called on Nigerians to assist the military and security services.
Every day, our armed forces make tremendous sacrifices. We should back them and give them the encouragement they need to succeed rather than demoralising them with political attacks,” he stated.
Agbese also voiced confidence in President Tinubu’s will to tackle the nation’s security issues, pointing out that the administration has kept funding security operations and bolstering the capabilities of security agencies.
He urged political leaders of all parties to put the nation’s interests ahead of their own and cooperate to address the nation’s security issues.
He believes that unity, collaboration, and a common commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are the only ways to achieve long-term peace and security.
About The Author
