The Digest:
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has publicly challenged the Tinubu administration's approach to banditry, questioning why the government negotiates with armed groups. Speaking at a Plateau State event, Obasanjo explored the government's core responsibility, engaging a national conversation on security and empowering citizens to seek international help if their safety cannot be guaranteed.
Key Points:
- Former President Obasanjo questioned the government's rationale for negotiating with bandits.
- He stated that citizens have the right to seek international intervention if their government fails to protect them.
- Obasanjo highlighted that modern technology, like drones, makes tracking and eliminating criminals feasible.
- He recalled that during his presidency, the capacity to identify criminals existed, but drone technology now enables direct action.
- The elder statesman criticized the government for both negotiating with and then denying payments to bandits.
- He described the continuous killing of Nigerians across faiths as "nonsensical" and demanded that it stop.
- Obasanjo appealed to leaders at all levels to fulfill their fundamental duty of protecting citizens.
Sources: Nigerian Tribune
