Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has accused the Federal Government of failing to confront the security challenges facing the country.
Lawal, who served as SGF under the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, specifically stated that President Bola Tinubu’s government shows no interest in tackling insecurity.
The former SGF compared Tinubu’s administration unfavourably to the previous governments of Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, asserting that the latter performed better.
“Previous governments were more effective and accommodating,” Lawal stated on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
“They served Nigerians better in terms of equity, intentions to combat corruption, and fairness. Even regarding insecurity, Goodluck Jonathan made efforts to address it. Buhari took over and continued; this government is not interested in that,” he added.
He argued that prior to Tinubu taking office in May 2023, Adamawa, a North-Eastern state, was relatively peaceful. However, he claimed that two years into this administration, the security situation has deteriorated.
Lawal also criticised the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, stating he has yet to see any substantial efforts made to combat killings and other security threats.
He lamented the deaths of Nigerian soldiers in the line of duty, calling for decisive action to tackle the insecurity.
“I don’t see what work he [Ribadu] is doing. If I could see what he is doing, I would tell you.
“If I see results from their efforts, I will acknowledge it. It wouldn’t hurt me.
“I know soldiers are out there, and many are losing their lives, quite a few from my community who have returned dead. I know them.
“Why are they losing their lives? Because the system that should support them has failed.
“When you send a soldier into battle with an outdated rifle that can only hold 20 rounds and is facing an enemy with a kilometre’s worth of ammunition, you fire one shot, and it jams,” he explained.
When questioned about why he did not address this issue while in office, Lawal defended the performance of Buhari’s government.
“Our time was better; we procured superior arms. We had the advantage that our leader was a soldier.
“Our Head of State understood the issues and performed well. Perhaps he [Tinubu] is simply not interested,” Lawal added.
The former SGF’s comments come amid increasing concerns over the surge in insecurity within the country.
US President Donald Trump had previously threatened to send US forces into Nigeria with “guns blazing” if Africa’s most populous country does not address what he termed the killing of Christians by terrorists.
Tinubu had pledged last week that his administration is determined to intensify the fight against terrorism and criminality.
