A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr George Agbakahi has attributed the persistence of insecurity in Nigeria to what he described as politically sponsored terrorism.
Agbakahi stated that the situation would be better addressed if the Federal Government identified and prosecuted those financing terrorist activities across the country.
He made the remarks during a programme on Arise Television, ‘Prime Time’, monitored in Abuja, weekend.
According to him, insecurity in Nigeria predates the current administration, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken significant steps to confront the challenge.
“You see, the issue of insecurity in Nigeria didn’t emanate from the current administration. Truly, the President is dealing with insecurity head-on,” Agbakahi said.
He maintained that insecurity has become deeply rooted in the country but argued that the present administration has made considerable investments in strengthening the military.
“The President has done a whole lot to work on insecurity issues. A lot of armaments and equipment have been provided to the Nigerian military, probably more than any other administration since 1999,” he added.
Agbakahi, who is also South East Leader, Tinubu Support Organization, TSO, referenced ongoing security challenges in parts of the North-East, particularly in Borno State and Yobe State, describing them as long-standing issues rather than new developments.
He suggested that some acts of violence may be politically motivated, while also commending the government’s efforts to collaborate with foreign partners to tackle insecurity.
On the broader national response, the APC chieftain stressed that security should not be politicised, urging Nigerians across party, ethnic, and religious lines to unite against the threat.
“Insecurity is not about APC, not about PDP or any other party. We urge all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, political and religious affiliations, to come together and work collectively,” he said.
Agbakahi further supported the Federal Government’s stance against negotiating with terrorists, describing it as a strategic decision to discourage further attacks.
“The President has said several times that he is not going to negotiate with terrorists, which to me is a step in the right direction because negotiating with them will mean they continue what they are doing,” he noted.
He emphasised the importance of improved intelligence gathering and sharing among security agencies, adding that cutting off financial support to terrorist groups remains critical.
“I believe so far the President has empowered the military. Another important thing is for government to find out those sponsoring them—that’s how they get their money. They don’t get their money fundamentally from external countries; they get it from Nigerians,” he said.
“It’s important that we identify and stop the sponsors. Once that line is cut off, it will go a long way in addressing the insecurity situation,” Agbakahi stressed.
The APC Chieftain also weighed in on the significance of the proposed opposition alliance especially the Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwanso collaboration in respect of the 2027 presidential election.
Agbakahi indicated that the Obi-Kwankwaso collaboration was dead on arrival considering that they are more or less regional leaders.
“The question remains who is going to be the presidential candidate and the vice? What will be the role and influence of Atiku (Abubakar) and Amaechi (Chibuike Rotimi) in the political configuration since both Atiku and Amaechi have signified interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election.
“Tinubu overall still has a better chance and he is a more formidable candidate considering his track record of accomplishment and disorganized disposition of the opposition with no agenda and no policy,” he concluded.
