The Presidency has issued a response to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, claiming he lacks the moral weight to criticise President Bola Tinubu over Nigeria’s security challenges.
Obasanjo had voiced serious concern during an event in Jos, Plateau State, where he argued that worsening insecurity could justify Nigerians seeking foreign intervention, pointing to what he sees as government failure to protect its citizens.
In reaction, the government said terrorism began gaining ground during Obasanjo’s tenure, implying that today’s crisis stems partly from decisions made while he was in office. The Presidency also rejected his suggestion that Tinubu consider seeking assistance from foreign countries if unable to contain insecurity, calling it a surrender of national responsibility.
The response, shared by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, criticised Obasanjo for advocating external involvement in Nigeria’s internal affairs, arguing that true leadership would not call for surrender of sovereignty.
The Presidency added that those who “looked away when these threats first sprouted” cannot now pass judgment, insisting that Nigeria faces terrorists of varied networks and origins. According to the statement, these groups operate across borders, share resources, and aim to undermine the state, meaning they must be addressed for what they are.
It further stated that extremist movements developed under Obasanjo’s watch due to inadequate early intervention, which eventually evolved into an insurgency with regional and global links.
While noting that Nigeria welcomes international cooperation, the Presidency maintained that national security will not be outsourced, stressing that sovereignty remains non-negotiable.