Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s approval of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State, arguing that the move reflects a reactive approach to tackling Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
In a statement shared on his X account, Obi said addressing insecurity requires long-term planning and a comprehensive national strategy rather than isolated responses to specific incidents.
His comments come after the Federal Government approved the recruitment of forest guards following the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
While acknowledging the need for additional security personnel, Obi questioned the consistency of the policy, noting that insecurity is affecting virtually every region of the country.
According to him, several states, including Oyo, Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, Borno, Katsina, Anambra, Niger, Imo, and Sokoto, are currently facing serious security challenges that require broader solutions.
The former presidential candidate asked whether similar recruitment approvals would be extended to all states and the Federal Capital Territory or if such decisions would be made on a case-by-case basis.
Obi also raised concerns about the role of existing regional security outfits, particularly the Amotekun Corps in the South-West, questioning how the newly approved forest guards would fit into the current security structure.
He maintained that Nigeria’s security challenges are symptoms of deeper leadership and governance issues, stressing that insecurity cannot be solved through short-term measures alone.
According to Obi, the country needs a holistic approach that addresses unemployment, economic hardship, poor resource management, and other underlying factors contributing to crime and instability.
He further argued that effective leadership should focus on building systems that create opportunities, strengthen national unity, and reduce the conditions that fuel insecurity across the country.
Source: Statement by Peter Obi via X.
