APC Leader Urges Tinubu to View Critics of US Airstrikes as Nigeria's Adversaries

Table of Contents

• Call to Action
• Reaction to Criticism
• Impact of Terrorism
• Surprise at Sympathy
• Firm Stance on Critics
• Call for US Support
• Public Prosecution
• Politicization of Insecurity
• Support for Security Agencies

A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Ben Adaji, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to label individuals and groups that oppose recent United States military actions against terrorist targets in Nigeria as enemies of the state.

Adaji made this appeal on Saturday in Jalingo, Taraba State, in response to criticisms from some Islamic clerics regarding the reported US airstrikes on terrorist enclaves in parts of North-West Nigeria on Thursday evening.

He stated that public denunciation of the US actions represents “the height of hypocrisy” or suggests complicity in the ongoing insecurity plaguing the nation. He emphasized that Nigerians have faced significant hardship and losses due to terrorist activities.

“Nigerians have continued to endure immense suffering and substantial losses due to the actions of these terrorists,” Adaji remarked.

He pointed out that the devastation caused by violent groups is immeasurable, affecting lives lost, property destroyed, and Nigeria's reputation on the global stage.

The APC chieftain, who previously ran for a House of Representatives seat for the Ankpa Federal Constituency in Kogi State, expressed astonishment that any Nigerian would show sympathy for armed groups responsible for years of violence and destruction.

“It is simply unfathomable that any rational individual should empathize with their cause, unless they are complicit,” he stated.

Adaji urged President Tinubu to adopt a strong stance against critics of the airstrikes, suggesting that such individuals may be sponsors or beneficiaries of terrorist activities. He also called for an end to negotiations with armed groups, advocating for a more assertive military strategy.

Furthermore, he appealed to the United States to maintain and broaden its military support to encompass all regions affected by insecurity, including areas facing banditry and assaults by armed herders.

Identifying himself as an expert in human security and counter-terrorism, Adaji also urged the President and the National Security Adviser to ensure the public prosecution of individuals identified as supporters of terrorist organizations.

“The actions of terrorists are an affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty,” he remarked, adding that anyone who denounces the US airstrikes should be regarded as an enemy of the nation.

He questioned the politicization of insecurity, which he noted has resulted in numerous fatalities and the destruction of property worth billions of naira. He emphasized that religious leaders are not above the law and pointed out that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of violent attacks.

Adaji called on Nigerian security agencies to remain steadfast in defending citizens and safeguarding the nation's territorial integrity, while encouraging the federal government to fully support what he described as legitimate international interventions aimed at restoring peace and upholding Nigeria’s dignity.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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