ADC presidential hopeful Peter Obi has expressed deep concern over the recent decision by the United States to evacuate its embassy staff from Nigeria, describing the move as a troubling signal of worsening insecurity and declining global confidence in the country.
In a strongly worded statement posted on his social media platforms, Obi warned that the development should be treated as a national emergency, particularly at a time when Nigeria is striving to attract foreign investment. He noted that the country currently ranks fourth on the Global Terrorism Index, yet continues to experience escalating violence, loss of lives, and persistent threats to communities.
He criticized what he described as a failure of governance, arguing that political maneuvering has taken precedence over the safety and welfare of citizens. According to him, the U.S. directive reflects growing international concern about Nigeria’s fragile security architecture.
Obi also referenced reports of the killing of a senior military officer in Borno State, describing it as further evidence of the dangerous conditions facing both civilians and security personnel. He lamented that many Nigerians can no longer live, work, worship, or travel safely, warning that such an environment undermines national development and investor confidence.
Reiterating that the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property, Obi acknowledged that leadership failures over the years have placed immense pressure on the nation’s armed forces, who continue to make significant sacrifices.
Drawing a historical parallel, he likened the current political class to Nero, accusing leaders of being distracted by politics while the country grapples with deepening insecurity. He cautioned that without safety and stability, there would be no nation left to govern or future to contest for political office.
Obi’s full statement is published below…
U.S. Security Alarm on Nigeria: A Bad Omen
The recent directive by the United States to evacuate its embassy staff from Nigeria due to rising insecurity is deeply worrisome and should be treated as a national emergency, especially for a country already struggling to attract investors.
Nigeria currently ranks fourth in the Global Terrorism Index, yet insecurity continues to worsen – lives are being lost and communities remain under constant threat. There is a glaring absence of effective governance; instead, what prevails are schemes that undermine democratic processes, as though politics has taken precedence over the safety of citizens.
The U.S. directive is a clear signal of declining confidence in our national security architecture. Disturbingly, reports indicate the loss of yet another Army Brigadier General to terrorists in Borno earlier today. A nation where people cannot live, work, worship, or travel safely cannot progress or attract investment.
The primary duty of any government is the protection of lives and property, yet in this regard, we as leaders have fallen short over the years. Our failure continues to place immense strain on our troops, who make the ultimate sacrifices.
Sadly, as Nigeria deteriorates, we as leaders, like Nero, remain preoccupied with politics, forgetting that without security, there is no nation to govern and no future to campaign for.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
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