Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has decried the renewed wave of terrorist attacks in Borno State, calling the situation a national emergency and warning that failing to protect the state is tantamount to failing Nigeria.
In a post on X, Obi described the escalating violence in areas like Marte Local Government Area as deeply troubling, emphasizing that the deteriorating security in the region poses a grave threat to the country’s unity and stability.
He commended Governor Babagana Zulum for his courageous leadership, particularly for spending the night in Marte despite the insurgent threats.
“We cannot claim to be building a secure and united Nigeria when one of our own, a sitting governor, is left pleading for federal support to prevent an entire local government from falling into the hands of terrorists,” Obi stated.
Highlighting the humanitarian impact, Obi noted that over 300 communities are at risk, and more than 20,000 Nigerians have been displaced again.
“These are not just numbers. They are families, children, and communities whose hopes are hanging by a thread,” he said.
He urged the Federal Government to respond urgently and decisively to Governor Zulum’s repeated alarms, stressing that such concerns should not be treated with political indifference.
“I have always maintained that Nigeria works best when leadership is driven by compassion, competence, and courage. Governor Zulum has shown all three. The Federal Government must now do the same,” Obi added.
“If we fail to protect Borno, we fail the idea of Nigeria itself.”