The Minister for Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stated on Tuesday that the federal government is making strenuous efforts to address the country’s security challenges.
Tunji-Ojo, appearing as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today, mentioned that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru; and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, are losing sleep over the issue.
“No one is resting. Not the NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, not the Defence Minister, not the Chief of Defence Staff, not the DSS,” the Home Secretary said.
“No one is sleeping, we are working. This security issue is a significant national concern, and I will not sit here and refuse to take responsibility for Nigerians’ security on behalf of the President.”
He added that, although security has improved in the country since President Bola Tinubu’s administration took office, Boko Haram terrorists and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been weakened by the armed forces.
The Home Secretary explained that the current administration has led by example in securing the lives and property of Nigerians.
Don’t Judge Tinubu
During the programme, the minister addressed the recent attack by a new terror group in Sokoto and Kebbi States.
He urged Nigerians not to judge Tinubu, saying the President is fully aware of the security challenges.
“The President is sensitive to these issues. Do not judge the President or this administration based on assurances alone. Talk is cheap; the real measure is action.
“We took office on 29 May last year, and I don’t want politics brought into this. We all know the situations nationwide. Have we achieved our goals? No. Are we where we once were? No. We have made progress,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
Bobrisky Saga
The Home Secretary also provided an update on the case of Bobrisky, a popular cross-dresser whose real name is Idris Okuneye.
Tunji-Ojo sees the Bobrisky saga as indicative of institutional issues in the country.
Okuneye has been embroiled in controversy over alleged favourable treatment while serving jail time for currency abuse.
A viral video claimed that the cross-dresser paid certain Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) officials for special privileges in prison.
According to Tunji-Ojo, this incident, which has sparked public conversation for months, reflects deeper institutional problems.
“When there is an institutional problem, a quick fix is not the solution,” he stated.
“We set up a committee to investigate all issues, beyond Bobrisky, beyond those absconding – it is a matter of institutional reform.”
Tunji-Ojo asserted that reforming Nigeria’s institutions is essential to preventing similar issues in the future.
“We cannot pass today’s problems on to tomorrow,” the Home Secretary concluded.