Okay News reports: Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, has publicly criticised former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other political figures for what he described as “ignoble” attacks on the current administration’s efforts to combat terrorism.
In a statement shared via his X handle under the title “Between Tinubu’s Capability and the Ignobility of Pseudo Statesmanship,” Dare responded to recent comments from Obasanjo and “habitual presidential aspirants” who have painted the Tinubu administration as incapable of ensuring national security.
Obasanjo, Nigeria’s former President who led the country from 1999 to 2007, recently expressed concern over rising attacks and insecurity, suggesting that Nigerians might call on foreign powers to protect citizens, citing what he termed the government’s failure to safeguard the population. Speaking at a public event in Jos, Plateau State, Obasanjo said:
“No matter what religion you belong to. No matter where you come from. No matter your profession, we Nigerians are being killed, and our government seems to be incapable of protecting us. We are part of the world community. If our government cannot do it, we have the right to call on the international community to do for us what our government cannot do for us.”
Reacting sharply, Dare described Obasanjo’s statements as “hypocritical and ignoble,” asserting that the former president’s remarks ignored historical realities. He reminded Nigerians that the terrorist group Boko Haram, responsible for widespread violence and kidnappings in the northeastern and central regions of Nigeria, began and expanded under Obasanjo’s civilian administration.
“Before recommending surrender, the former President should reflect on what he failed to do when these terrorists first began organising under his watch,” the statement read.
“It is historical fact that the ideological foundations and early cells of Boko Haram were incubated during Obasanjo’s civilian presidency. While they recruited, indoctrinated, built camps, and flaunted authority, the state failed to act decisively.”
Dare further emphasised that President Tinubu is actively confronting multifaceted terrorist threats through a combination of military pressure, intelligence-led operations, governance restoration in contested areas, and community and counter-radicalisation programmes. He warned that undermining the government could embolden terrorist groups.
“When former leaders disparage the nation’s capacity, they hand psychological victories to the very terrorists murdering, kidnapping, and extorting Nigerians. If Obasanjo wishes to help, he should acknowledge the past failures that allowed terrorists to gain a foothold, and then support ongoing efforts, not undermine them,” Dare said.
The presidential aide concluded by urging Nigerians to back the administration’s security strategies.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to securing every inch of Nigeria by confronting terrorists with strength, unity, and a whole-of-government strategy. Let all patriots join hands now and not raise alarms,” Dare said.
