The media adviser and spokesperson to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, has called on President Bola Tinubu to step down, arguing that his administration has failed to fulfil its constitutional duty of ensuring security and improving the welfare of Nigerians.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Ibe said resignation should not be seen as a weakness but rather as a patriotic decision when a leader is unable to meet the demands of office.
“It’s not a sign of weakness for a leader to resign. It’s a patriotic act,” he said.
Explaining his position, Ibe argued that the government has fallen short in carrying out its primary responsibilities of protecting lives and promoting citizens’ well-being.
“Let me tell you why President Tinubu needs to resign. The primary responsibility of government is security and welfare. Are we more secure now than we were in 2023? The answer is no,” he stated.
Ibe also rejected the administration’s claims of progress in addressing insecurity, insisting that continued incidents of killings, kidnappings and violent attacks across the country suggest otherwise.
“Their best is just not good enough. We can’t continue on this journey of trial and error. The truth of the matter is that Tinubu is incompetent and he’s clueless. He came on board with no set skills. Nigeria is a very complex country, and to be able to govern this country, you need to be wired for that. He is not,” he said.
The Atiku aide further criticised ongoing discussions around the creation of state police, alleging that efforts to advance the proposal ahead of the 2027 general election are politically driven.
While expressing support for state policing in principle, he questioned the timing of the initiative.
“We support state police, but not at this time. Whatever shape or form it takes now, it is political,” he said.
Citing recent attacks in different parts of the country, Ibe maintained that the government has failed to provide adequate protection for citizens.
“Look at what happened in Bokkos on Sunday night. About two dozen people have been killed, many more are in captivity. That’s in Plateau State. We’ve had that in Benue State, we have it in Oyo State, we have it in Kogi State,” he said.
“What are we talking about? This is enough evidence for the man to—for patriotic reasons—let him throw in the towel.”