“The Hidden Hand: How Politically Backed Terrorism is Eroding Nigeria’s Security”
A leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr George Agbakahi has linked the ongoing insecurity in Nigeria to what he referred to as politically motivated terrorism.
Agbakahi remarked that the issue could be better tackled if the Federal Government recognized and prosecuted those funding terrorist operations nationwide.
He made these comments during a program on Arise Television, ‘Prime Time’, observed in Abuja, over the weekend.
As per his statements, the insecurity in Nigeria predates the current administration, indicating that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken substantial actions to confront the issue.
“You see, the matter of insecurity in Nigeria didn’t originate from the current administration. Indeed, the President is addressing insecurity directly,” Agbakahi stated.
He asserted that insecurity has become deeply entrenched in the nation but contended that the current administration has invested significantly in fortifying the military.
“The President has undertaken considerable efforts to tackle insecurity concerns. Numerous weapons and equipment have been supplied to the Nigerian military, possibly more than any other administration since 1999,” he noted.
Agbakahi, also a South East Leader in the Tinubu Support Organization, TSO, referred to the ongoing security issues in parts of the North-East, particularly in Borno State and Yobe State, characterizing them as enduring challenges rather than recent occurrences.
He proposed that some violent acts could be politically instigated, while also praising the government’s initiatives to collaborate with international partners to address insecurity.
On the wider national response, the APC leader emphasized that security matters should not be politicized, encouraging Nigerians across political, ethnic, and religious divides to unite against the menace.
“Insecurity is not associated with APC, nor with PDP or any other party. We call upon all Nigerians, regardless of ethnic, political, and religious affiliations, to unite and work collectively,” he remarked.
Agbakahi further endorsed the Federal Government’s position against negotiating with terrorists, labeling it a strategic move to deter further assaults.
“The President has expressed repeatedly that he will not negotiate with terrorists, which, in my view, is a step forward because negotiating with them implies they will persist in their actions,” he noted.
He highlighted the necessity for enhanced intelligence collection and sharing among security agencies, adding that severing financial support to terrorist organizations remains imperative.
“I firmly believe that so far, the President has empowered the military. Another crucial aspect is for the government to uncover those financing them—that’s how they secure their funding. They do not primarily receive money from foreign nations; they acquire it from Nigerians,” he said.
“It’s vital that we identify and halt the sponsors. Once that connection is severed, it will significantly aid in tackling the insecurity situation,” Agbakahi emphasized.
The APC leader also commented on the importance of the proposed opposition alliance, particularly the collaboration between Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso concerning the 2027 presidential election.
Agbakahi suggested that the Obi-Kwankwaso partnership was futile from the start considering their regional leader status.
“The question lingers as to who will be the presidential candidate and the vice? What will be the role and influence of Atiku (Abubakar) and Amaechi (Chibuike Rotimi) in the political landscape since both have shown interest in vying for the 2027 presidential election?
“Overall, Tinubu still possesses a superior likelihood and he is a more formidable contender based on his proven track record of achievements and the chaotic nature of the opposition lacking a clear agenda or policy,” he concluded.
