Minister of Works David Umahi has defended President Bola Tinubu against criticism over the country's security challenges, urging Nigerians not to politicise insecurity and expressing confidence that abducted schoolchildren currently in captivity will return home safely.
Speaking in a video that circulated on social media on Friday, Umahi said it was unfair to blame the Tinubu administration for insecurity, arguing that the problem existed long before the current government came into office.
“What is in national discussion now is the issue of security and insecurity. When people talk about insecurity, especially extreme politicians, and insult the President as if insecurity just started within the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is very unfortunate,” Umahi said.
The former Ebonyi State governor stressed that security should be seen as a collective responsibility rather than a political issue.
“Security is the job of everyone. Security should not be politicised,” he said.
Umahi also questioned what he described as a recurring pattern of heightened insecurity during election periods.
“Why is it that anytime we are approaching elections, there is heightened insecurity? It is very unfair. Anyone who takes the life of another person under any guise, God is watching,” he added.
The minister called for prayers for the release of schoolchildren and teachers currently being held by abductors, expressing faith that they would regain their freedom.
“We will continue to pray for all our children who are in captivity. God sees them wherever they are hiding. Their hands will be loosened by God, and they will return,” Umahi said.
His comments come amid growing public anger over the abduction of 46 schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State on May 15.
More than 20 days after the incident, the victims remain in captivity, prompting protests in several cities, including Lagos, Ibadan, Ogbomosho, Abeokuta, Bayelsa and Plateau States.
The prolonged captivity of the abductees has intensified calls for stronger action by security agencies and the federal government to secure their release and address the country's worsening security situation.
