- Presidency accuses Obasanjo of hypocrisy on security.
- Tinubu’s government says Nigeria faces transnational terrorism.
- Presidency defends Tinubu’s anti-terror and security strategy.
- Presidency says past leaders allowed insurgency to grow.
The Presidency has issued a strong response to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and others who recently questioned President Bola Tinubu’s handling of security, saying their criticisms lack moral weight and amount to political posturing.
In a statement shared on X by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, the Presidency said attempts to portray the Tinubu government as weak on security were misleading and intentionally omit the truth about the complex threats confronting the country.
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Dare accused the former leaders of failing to act when early warning signs of violent extremism emerged, insisting that those now giving advice “looked away” while insurgency was taking root.
He stated that the arguments promoting reliance on foreign powers for internal security reflect panic rather than leadership.
He noted that Boko Haram and other militant groups gained ground during Obasanjo’s tenure, arguing that what began as a fringe sect later evolved into a violent regional movement. According to the Presidency, today’s security challenge is broader, involving more dangerous groups linked to ISIS, al-Qaeda and cross-border terror networks.
“Let’s call them what they are: terrorists,” Dare said.
He described the current crisis as a multi-layered system of foreign-based extremists, domestic bandit groups, criminal gangs and organised terror cells exploiting communities.
On Tinubu’s security response, Dare maintained that the President is deploying a comprehensive strategy combining military strength, intelligence operations, disruption of terrorist logistics, and development of underserved communities.
He highlighted ongoing intelligence-driven operations, improved military capability, and the reclaiming of contested territories across several regions.
He also pointed to ongoing reforms in governance, economic stabilisation, and community-level counter-extremism programmes.
Dare said the government will work with international partners but will not “outsource sovereignty or surrender because someone else failed before.”
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He warned that negative remarks from former leaders undermine morale and could embolden terror groups at a time when the country is making gains against extremism.
“A real statesman offers support, not soundbites,” he added.
Dare urged Obasanjo to acknowledge his role in the early phases of insurgency and contribute constructively rather than undermine efforts to strengthen national security.
The Presidency reaffirmed Tinubu’s commitment to defeating terrorism, saying the government’s unified and strategic approach will secure the country.
“This administration will not be distracted by selective amnesia wrapped in elder-statesmanship,” Dare said.
