Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has cautioned that the United States’ recent request to remove its embassy staff from Nigeria due to increased insecurity signifies a decline in international confidence in the country’s security system and leadership.
According to him, the action brings Nigeria’s deteriorating security problem into sharp global attention, creating new concerns about the impact on investor confidence, diplomatic ties, and an already vulnerable economy.
In a statement issued on Friday, Obi stated that the situation should be considered as a national emergency, emphasizing that the ramifications extend beyond security to Nigeria’s international reputation.
“The recent directive by the United States to evacuate its embassy staff from Nigeria over rising insecurity is deeply troubling and ought to be treated as a national emergency, particularly for a country already struggling to attract investment.
“Nigeria currently ranks fourth on the Global Terrorism Index, yet the security situation continues to deteriorate. Lives are being lost, and communities remain under constant threat.
“There is a glaring absence of effective governance; instead, we are witnessing actions that undermine democratic processes, as though politics has taken precedence over the safety and welfare of citizens.
“The U.S. directive is a stark signal of declining confidence in our national security architecture.
“More troubling still are reports of the loss of yet another army brigadier general to terrorists in Borno earlier today.
“A nation where citizens cannot live, work, worship, or travel safely cannot make progress or inspire investor confidence.
“The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. In this regard, we as leaders have consistently fallen short. This failure continues to place immense strain on our armed forces, who bear the burden and make the ultimate sacrifices.
“Regrettably, as the nation deteriorates, we as leaders appear preoccupied, like Nero, with political pursuits, forgetting that without security, there is no nation to govern and no future to contest,” Obi said.
