***Says Nigeria’s safety depends on empowering states to fight banditry
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has warned that Nigeria’s security system is failing, stressing that citizens will remain exposed to violence until state governors are granted real powers to protect their people.
Obi’s remarks came in response to Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal’s revelation that he knows the hideouts of bandit leaders but cannot act without clearance from federal authorities. The former Anambra governor said the admission exposes the deep flaws in Nigeria’s centralised security model.
“What kind of country are we running where a federating unit lacks the coordination and support of the centre in the most critical role of governance — the protection of life and property?” Obi asked. “When the Chief Security Officer of a state is reduced to a mere spectator, citizens are left at the mercy of criminals.”
He renewed his call for urgent restructuring of the country’s security architecture, arguing that decentralisation would make the fight against banditry and terrorism more effective. According to him, empowering governors with direct authority, resources and command structures would restore confidence and safety across communities.
“The Federal Government must, as a matter of urgency, give Governor Dauda and other governors across the federation all the support they need to safeguard the lives of Nigerians,” he said.
Obi concluded by echoing his campaign mantra, insisting that Nigeria’s future depends on prioritising security above all else: “The safety and security of our citizens must become our highest priority. A new Nigeria is POssible.”
