Peter Obi Urges State of Emergency Amid Rising Insecurity

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has called for a national state of emergency in response to escalating insecurity across Nigeria. In a statement on his official social media platform, Obi described the recent surge in violence as evidence that the country is in the midst of a full-blown security crisis.

Obi’s remarks followed a particularly deadly weekend, during which eight personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) were killed in Edo State, alongside five soldiers and 58 civilians feared dead in Borno State. He emphasized that such high casualty figures, exceeding 100 deaths in a single weekend, are comparable to those in nations officially at war. Obi condemned the government’s inaction, stating that the situation is no longer acceptable.

The former Anambra State governor called for a comprehensive national effort to combat insecurity, urging the government to mobilize all available resources, agencies, and states to address the crisis. He advocated for suspending all other distractions to focus on restoring order and reclaiming the nation from lawlessness.

Obi’s call for a state of emergency reflects growing concerns among Nigerians about the deteriorating security situation and the government’s response to it. His statement underscores the urgency of addressing the nation’s security challenges to prevent further loss of life and maintain national stability.