Labour Party slams Tinubu govt’s security response, demands introspection on insecurity

The opposition Labour Party (LP) has issued a sharp rebuke to President Bola Tinubu’s government, criticising what it described as an inadequate response to ongoing security challenges affecting Christian communities in parts of the country.

The party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Toni Akeni, delivered the strong critique in Abuja on Sunday. His statement was a direct reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern.”

Akeni wasted no time in pointing out what he termed a double standard in the current administration’s approach to security. To underscore his point, Akeni referenced a 2014 social media post by then–Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who criticised the previous administration over security lapses, arguing that current circumstances require similar introspection.

While the immediate context was the security of Christian communities, the LP official broadened the scope of concern, noting that the crisis is multi-denominational and widespread. According to the spokesperson, available reports from local and international organisations indicate that insecurity has continued to affect citizens of various religious backgrounds, including Christians, across several states.

The party’s concern is rooted in the constant bloodshed and displacement plaguing the nation’s heartland. He highlighted that the party is deeply troubled by the recurring attacks in rural communities, particularly in parts of the North and Middle Belt, noting that affected residents continue to suffer loss of lives and displacement.

Akeni subsequently laid out clear demands for immediate government action. Akeni urged the Federal Government to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve collaboration with security agencies, and ensure the protection of vulnerable populations.

Read also: CUPP puts Tinubu on 90-day clock to end killings, warns of welcoming international aid

Shifting focus to the global arena, the LP called for practical assistance over mere public criticism. The LP also called for enhanced international cooperation to support Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, saying constructive engagement would be more beneficial than global rhetoric.

Akeni welcomed the global focus on the crisis, stating that he welcomed what he described as renewed international attention on Nigeria’s security situation but urged the United States and other partners to provide technical support, intelligence sharing, and equipment that would boost Nigeria’s response capacity.

Crucially, the party stressed that any successful security solution must be comprehensive and inclusive. He further appealed to the international community to also consider the plight of moderate Muslim communities who have equally suffered from terrorist attacks, stressing the need for a comprehensive, inclusive security strategy.

The statement concluded by applauding citizens working for peace at the grassroots level. The Labour Party commended local religious and community leaders—both Christian and Muslim—who have continued to advocate peaceful coexistence, noting that their interventions are essential for national stability.

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