A Call for Leadership and Accountability in Nigeria’s Security Crisis
Former Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has raised critical concerns about the state of security in Nigeria. He attributes the current challenges to a long history of poor leadership, arguing that successive governments have failed to address the growing threats facing the nation.
Speaking on Arise TV, Baba-Ahmed emphasized that the situation in Nigeria has deteriorated significantly over the years. He stated, “The situation is more dire, the challenges are more serious, the threats are more varied, and the sources of these threats are more varied.” According to him, the only consistent factor has been the presence of ineffective leaders. “We have had bad leaders going as far back as perhaps after President Yar’Adua. All through the last 10, the last 15 years, this country has been poorly led,” he said.
He further pointed out that the failures of past and present administrations have left the country vulnerable. “Everything that happens to this country can be traced back to our leadership. This is a great country with great people, which has been poorly served by bad, indifferent leaders,” he added.
The Evolution of Security Challenges
Baba-Ahmed also highlighted how the nature of security threats in Nigeria has evolved over time. He noted that the conflict has become more complex, with new challenges emerging alongside older ones. “If you go back to 2009, when the first uprising of Boko Haram occurred, to where we are today, the mutation of some of these problems, and also the addition of new challenges, has changed the face of this conflict entirely. We’re not really talking about the same Nigeria,” he explained.
This evolution, he argued, has made it even more difficult for leaders to address the issues effectively. “Nigeria today is dramatically different from Nigeria of even 10 years ago,” he said.
International Perceptions and U.S. Involvement
Baba-Ahmed also addressed international perceptions, particularly from the United States. He expressed skepticism about the idea of external intervention, especially in light of recent comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump. “America would not fix Nigeria. That is the last thing we need — an America breathing down our neck and making Nigeria weak because we can buckle under. And that is not good for this country,” he warned.
He criticized the lack of understanding from foreign powers, stating, “The intelligence, the statistics are grounds for this action. It does not indicate that you’re dealing with a well-informed leadership that recognizes the fact that they are dealing with a very complex country.”
Nigeria’s Strategic Importance
Despite the challenges, Baba-Ahmed acknowledged Nigeria’s strategic importance on the global stage. “Nigeria holds a huge strategic position in the geopolitics, in the Sahel, in West Africa, in Africa,” he said. However, he expressed concern about the way the U.S. approaches the issue. “It’s not the kind of country where you have a president who is used to getting his way, who says, ‘Okay, now give me Nigeria, bring Nigeria to the table, I’ll deal with it the way I want to.’ And the language of the Americans is not very encouraging.”
The U.S. Response and Nigerian Reactions
Trump’s recent remarks, in which he claimed that thousands of Christians were being killed by “radical Islamists” in Nigeria, sparked significant controversy. He stated, “We stand ready, willing, and able to save our great Christian population around the world. This is not going to happen. The killing of Christians is not going to happen.” His comments implied a possible military intervention, which drew sharp criticism from the Nigerian government.
The Federal Government of Nigeria rejected the allegations as false and misleading. It emphasized its ongoing efforts to combat insecurity under President Bola Tinubu, highlighting initiatives aimed at strengthening interfaith dialogue and promoting community reconciliation in affected areas.
Conclusion
Baba-Ahmed’s comments reflect a broader frustration with the lack of progress in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges. As the country continues to grapple with internal and external pressures, the need for effective leadership and a comprehensive strategy becomes increasingly urgent. The path forward will require not only domestic resolve but also a nuanced understanding of the complex realities facing Nigeria today.