By Sofiyyah Layole
Senator Adams Oshiomhole has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s handling of Nigeria’s security challenges, insisting that the administration is taking decisive steps to curb the rising incidents of banditry across the country.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Oshiomhole argued that the current wave of attacks did not begin under the present government and suggested that some recent incidents appear artificial and possibly politically driven.
Oshiomhole said President Tinubu had demonstrated early commitment to confronting insecurity by appointing new service chiefs with “clear intent and no room for excuses,” adding that the appointments were made without waiting for public outrage or protests. He noted that insecurity has been a long-standing national problem dating back to “around 2006,” and stressed that the government is working persistently to address it.
According to him, security improvements are visible, although the full restoration of safety will take time. “Just like every sickness, it takes a process to cure insecurity,” he said, warning against pretending that progress has not been made.
The former Edo State governor also claimed that some of the recent security incidents appear suspiciously timed, especially as the country enters an election season. He referenced comments by the PDP chairman, Umar Damagum (Turaki), calling on former U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene in the party’s internal disputes, saying such desperation shows “there is nothing some people cannot do.” He argued that the coincidence of political tensions and rising attacks suggests “an artificiality” behind some of the violence.
Oshiomhole highlighted recent measures taken by the federal government, including President Tinubu’s directive to the Inspector-General of Police to recruit 30,000 new policemen to ensure that the armed forces are no longer overstretched performing police duties. He added that the Senate has also approved the recruitment of an additional 100,000 personnel into the armed forces.
“The president cares, yes. Are steps being taken? Yes. Has the problem completely gone? No. Are people being apprehended? Yes,” he said, urging the judiciary to fast-track prosecution of arrested suspects instead of allowing cases to drag for years.
He also commended the Southwest Governors’ Forum for their recent strategic security meeting, where the governors praised the president’s efforts and renewed the call for state police. Oshiomhole described their approach as proactive, urging other regions to take responsibility instead of relying solely on the federal government.
While acknowledging that the creation of state police is not simple, he maintained that all stakeholders must contribute to solving the nation’s security problems.
“Everybody has a role to play,” he emphasized.
Oshiomhole added that despite the persistent challenges, the measures being implemented by the Tinubu administration show a clear intention to restore safety and stability across the country.
