The Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has criticised the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, accusing him of painting a misleading picture of Nigeria’s security situation before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, Onaiyekan recounted a recent meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja where he and other religious leaders were granted an audience at Aso Rock Presidential Villa. According to him, the delegation raised concerns about worsening insecurity across the country, particularly the dangers faced by Nigerians on highways and in rural communities.
However, he said they were taken aback when Ribadu responded by highlighting what he described as significant progress in improving security nationwide. The former archbishop noted that the response left members of the delegation exchanging puzzled glances, questioning whether government officials were speaking about the same realities ordinary Nigerians experience daily.
“We raised the issue of insecurity on the roads, and to our surprise, the National Security Adviser started talking about how much progress they had made and how safe the country now is. We were all looking at each other and asking: is that the same country we are living in?” Onaiyekan said.
He maintained that no Nigerian leader should feel comfortable with the current state of insecurity, arguing that claims of safety ring hollow when public officials cannot travel to their hometowns without heavy security escorts. According to him, persistent reports of killings and attacks in villages across the country contradict assertions that the nation is now secure.
Onaiyekan’s remarks add to the growing public debate over the true state of security in Nigeria and whether official assurances reflect the daily experiences of citizens.
Abuja Network News
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