Tinubu Told to Declare State of Emergency in 2 Nigerian States, Analyst Explains Why
- Dare Glintstone Akinniyi, spokesperson for the New Democratic Frontiers (NDF), has expressed concern over deadly attacks rocking Nigerian states, prompting the call for a state of emergency
- In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, Akinniyi, discussed why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should heed the call for an emergency in two northern states, and the approach his administration should explore
- Akinniyi decried the APC's handling of rising security concerns in the states following the African Democratic Congress (ADC)'s critical demand
Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.
Dare Glintstone Akinniyi, spokesperson for the New Democratic Frontiers (NDF), has backed the call for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Katsina and Zamfara states, following a surge in violent attacks that have reportedly claimed over 140 lives in two months.
Source: Facebook
Analyst fumes over 140 deaths in Katsina, Zamfara
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) expressed deep outrage over the recent massacre in Malumfashi, Katsina state.
The party criticised Tinubu's handling of rising security concerns after 30 worshippers were shot dead inside a mosque, while 20 villagers were burnt alive in their homes. The ADC linked the incident to a broader pattern of violence in the region, citing the killing of 47 individuals in Zamfara state, 38 of whom were reportedly executed despite ransom payments being made.
The ADC described the killings as a stark indication of Nigeria’s deteriorating security framework and criticised the federal government’s response to the crisis.
ADC's call for emergency, genuine - Analyst
In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng on Sunday, August 31, Dare Glintstone Akinniyi, asserted that the ADC's call for an emergency rule in the northern states were genuine.
Source: Facebook
Akinniyi criticised Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government's declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers state and noted that the ruling party's major priority is politics and not the protection of lives.
The political analyst Akinniyi told Legit.ng that:
"It's painful that the ADC seems to be the lone voice criticising the bad action and inactions of the ruling APC. Sometimes, I wonder if the Commander-in-chief of the armed forces of Nigeria, President Tinubu is briefed on the insecurity situations in Nigeria.
"I wondered why a state of emergency is more important in Rivers State than places when the security of lives and property is threatened heavily, in fact, where lives are lost frequently.
"Personally, a call for a 'state of emergency' is in order in these States bedeviled terrorists. It's a no brainer onlooking the urgency needed in fighting banditry, kidnapping and terrorism — in totality, I align with the ADC on this genuine call.
"APC is more concerned about politics in Rivers State than the loss of hundreds of lives elsewhere."
Urgent military action is needed - Akinniyi urges Tinubu
Speaking further, Dare Glintstone Akinniyi, urged President Tinubu to explore military action to address the security concerns in the Northeastern and Northwestern states.
Explaining, Akinniyi, urged Tinubu's administration to prioritise the protection of lives and properties, adding that "Nigeria cannot continue to harbour criminal elements."
"Entirely, a combined thorough military action is needed to flush these criminal elements from the Northeastern and Northwestern States. Our forests and caves are safe haven for terrorists who are hell bent on killing citizens and occupying lands.
"So if the government decides to have a temporary restriction for people in order to fight these terrorists, I don't think it is out of place. We can't continue to harbour these elements threatening a sovereign country like Nigeria. A lot of things are affected - locals can't farm or travel, foreigners can visit for tourism or business/investments.
"A full scale military action is needed urgently and we need to do that immediately to save lives and property. We can't continue to lose lives to criminals while the government is complacent. The business of government is to cater for the citizens' welfare and safety — these are absent at the moment from the APC."
Additionally, Akinniyi maintained that to further flush terrorists in the country, the APC-led government should involve local security parastatals in states and also collaborate with traditional rulers.
"The government should engage locals in intelligence gatherings, involve the State and local governments in collaborations with the traditional rules in these affected areas — and equally declare a 'state of emergency' for effective combing of the areas conquered by these terrorists. This is not the time to play politics with our security situation, what is needed to be done should be attended to, without delay.
"Too many lives are being taken in the name of Banditry and kidnapping by terrorists and they must not be given amnesty or negotiated with. Never," Akinniyi stated.
Zamfara: Women protest over bandit attacks
Legit.ng earlier reported that hundreds of protesters, predominantly elderly women and nursing mothers from Jimrawa village in Kaura Namoda local government area of Zamfara state, staged a peaceful demonstration in Gusau, the state capital, demanding urgent government action over escalating insecurity.
The protest, which took place at the Zamfara Government House, followed a similar demonstration two weeks earlier by residents of Gusau LGA.
Source: Legit.ng
