The Presidency has replied to former President Olusegun Obasanjo after he criticised President Bola Tinubu over Nigeria’s growing insecurity.
Obasanjo, speaking at an event in Jos on Friday, said he was worried about the rising level of insecurity. He also said Nigerians have the right to seek help from foreign countries if the government cannot protect them.
But the Presidency fired back, saying Obasanjo has no moral right to make such comments. According to the government, terrorism in Nigeria started during Obasanjo’s time as President, and his administration failed to stop it early.
The Presidency also condemned Obasanjo’s suggestion that Tinubu should seek foreign help, describing it as giving up Nigeria’s responsibility to protect itself.
These comments were shared by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, on his official X account.
The Presidency said those criticising Tinubu are the same people who ignored the early signs of terrorism years ago.
It added that calling for foreign countries to take over Nigeria’s security is not leadership but surrender.
The government stressed that Nigeria is currently fighting different types of terrorists — international groups, regional groups, local bandits, and other violent groups who work together to attack the country.
The Presidency further accused Obasanjo of allowing Boko Haram’s early stages to grow during his administration, saying the group was able to recruit members, build camps, and openly challenge the government at that time.
It said what could have been stopped early later became a major insurgency and a regional threat.
The government said Nigeria is open to working with other countries, especially the United States, but it will not hand over its security responsibilities to any foreign nation.
It added that global cooperation is important because many of these terrorist activities cross borders.