Leadership transcends mere governance—it encompasses safeguarding the lives and well-being of the citizens, thus, ensuring safety and stability for all Nigerians falls squarely on President Bola Tinubu’s shoulders as Commander-in-Chief.
Afterall the proverb goes, “a dog does not eat the bone hung on its neck.” In other words, it is one’s duty to take care of what one is entrusted with.
President Tinubu must learn from the mistakes of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari who left a legacy of incredible failure in addressing the security challenges that have plagued Nigeria.
The urgency of the matter cannot be overstated, especially considering the alarming rise in insecurity, with Abuja, the nation’s capital, now becoming a haven for kidnappers.
The gravity of the situation is highlighted by shocking statistics provided by Abuja-based security firm, Beacon Consulting indicating that In December 2023 alone, 519 people were kidnapped in Abuja as 87 more lost their lives.
Former Ministers and Appointes like Isa Pantanmi have resorted to personally crowdfunding ransoms as entire families are abducted or brutally executed.
As much as Tinubu and his cabinet members may envision transforming Nigeria’s economy and fly in search of foreign investors, none of those grand plans can succeed while insecurity and bloodshed run rampant.
If one considers the adage that What you plant is what you pluck, it strongly suggests that Stability, safety, and rule of law must be planted first, to reap the fruits of prosperity, progress, and unity later.
Therefore, Tinubu must set aside all interests and issue firm directives empowering security forces to decisively uproot terrorist and criminal networks sowing chaos.
If after three to six months, key security officials like the Defence Minister and Service Chiefs have not achieved measurable success neutralizing threats plaguing Abuja and beyond, President Tinubu should not hesitate to sack them.
The fear of sabotage and other consequences should not deter President Tinubu from taking decisive action.
He should find courage in the words of the Lion of Nnewi, Odumegwu Ojukwu that, “No leader should fear death. In fact, you should accept the fact that from the moment of leadership, you are sacrificed to death.”
True leadership demands courage, and President Tinubu must find the strength to confront the challenges head-on for the sake of a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
The time for rhetoric has passed; now is the time for decisive leadership and resolute action and President Tinubu, even if it requires losing sleep must rise to the occasion.
Failure is not an option when Nigerian lives hang in the balance.
