An opposition member of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has faulted recent calls by the Minority Caucus of the House for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign over the country’s security challenges, describing such demands as politically motivated and unhelpful to efforts aimed at addressing insecurity.
Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal
Constituency of Benue State, said tackling insecurity requires collective
national responsibility and stronger collaboration with security agencies
rather than what he termed “mere opposition rhetoric.”
The Labour Party lawmaker, who also serves as the Deputy
Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, was reacting to comments credited
to the Minority Leader of the House, Fred Agbedi, who recently urged President
Tinubu to either resolve the nation’s security and economic challenges or
resign from office.
According to Agbese, calls for the president’s resignation
at a time when security forces are intensifying operations against criminal
elements across the country amount to playing politics with national security.
“The issue of insecurity is a national challenge that
requires the collective support of all Nigerians. What we need at this critical
time is partnership with our armed forces and security agencies, not rhetoric
designed to score political points,” he said.
The lawmaker maintained that members of the opposition
should channel their energies towards supporting security institutions and
offering practical solutions rather than making statements capable of
undermining ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability.
Agbese further alleged that the demand for Tinubu’s
resignation was driven more by political calculations ahead of the 2027 general
elections than genuine concern for the welfare of Nigerians.
“The call for the resignation of President Tinubu is not
born out of patriotism. It appears to be part of a broader conspiracy by some
political actors who are desperate to remove the President from office through
every available means,” he said.
He added, “I am afraid the Leader of the Minority, who is
yet to settle 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. Some of us in the opposition will
not accept that.”
Agbese noted that the security challenges confronting
Nigeria predate the current administration and require sustained commitment,
intelligence gathering, improved funding and cooperation among all
stakeholders.
He disclosed that the House of Representatives had recently
invited security chiefs for an interaction on the security situation in the
country, adding that the engagement would take place soon.
The Benue lawmaker commended members of the Armed Forces,
intelligence agencies and other security operatives for their sacrifices in the
fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
He urged Nigerians to rally behind the military and security
agencies, stressing that public confidence and support remain essential to
winning the war against insecurity.
“Our armed forces are making enormous sacrifices daily.
Instead of demoralising them through political attacks, we should encourage
them and provide the support needed for them to succeed,” he said.
Agbese also expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s
commitment to addressing the country’s security challenges, noting that the
administration has continued to invest in security operations and strengthen
the capacity of security agencies.
He called on political leaders across party lines to place
national interest above partisan considerations and work together to confront
the security threats facing the country.
According to him, lasting peace and security can only be
achieved through unity, cooperation and a shared commitment to safeguarding
Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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