Nigeria’s political climate intensified once again as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently request both local and global support to tackle the escalating insecurity crisis across the country — or resign if unable to deliver meaningful solutions. In a detailed statement released on Sunday, the party’s Factional National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, emphasized that the worsening state of insecurity requires more than political speeches or temporary measures. He stressed that Nigerians deserve genuine safety, strategic leadership, and a coordinated national response backed by proven expertise. According to Ememobong, the insecurity situation has reached a point where traditional, outdated, and superficial responses are no longer acceptable. He stated that instead of introducing policies that only appear decisive on the surface, the administration must demonstrate the capacity to protect citizens through sustained action. The PDP also condemned what it described as the government’s “simplistic and reactionary strategy” — particularly the decision to close schools as a way to reduce rampant kidnappings. The party argued that shutting down educational institutions does not represent a long-term or effective solution. Instead, it merely disrupts children’s academic progress, increases fear among parents, and creates the illusion of government effort without addressing the root causes of insecurity. Ememobong insisted that closing schools is an avoidance tactic designed to create political optics rather than offering genuine public safety. “Leadership must prioritize comprehensive security reforms, not hollow gestures,” he said. The PDP warned that these tactics amount to scoring cheap political points while citizens continue to face threats from bandits, kidnappers, and extremist groups. The party urged the presidency to immediately assemble a broad, inclusive security framework involving security agencies, community leaders, local vigilantes, intelligence experts, and international partners with proven counter-terrorism experience. Furthermore, the PDP stressed that Nigeria’s fight against insecurity is too complex for fragmented interventions. What the nation needs, the party said, is a central action plan — one that integrates intelligence gathering, modern defense technology, community policing, and international support. As insecurity continues to destabilize communities, disrupt businesses, and weaken national confidence, the PDP reaffirmed that Nigerians cannot continue living in fear while leadership experiments with ineffective solutions. The party challenged President Tinubu to demonstrate accountability and prioritize national safety above politics.
The decision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rename the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) after the late former President Muhammadu Buhari has attracted widespread discussions across the country. While some Nigerians applaud the renaming, others question the rationale behind renaming an institution with over five decades of history. The Federal Government has provided further insight into the motivations behind Tinubu’s decision. The Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, through an official statement on Friday, shed light on the matter, describing the renaming as a meaningful tribute to Buhari’s lasting contributions to Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. The statement, which was endorsed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Education, was shared on the ministry’s verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, affirming the government’s position. According to Minister Alausa, “The Ministry of Education feels deeply privileged that the educational sector has been chosen as the platform to immortalize the legacy of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.” He emphasized that such recognition signifies the enduring impact Buhari made on the nation’s trajectory. This announcement followed a special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), organized to honour Buhari’s memory. The former President died on July 13, 2023, at the age of 82 while receiving treatment in a London clinic. After his passing, Buhari was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, where he was given a state funeral attended by national and international dignitaries. Public reaction to the renaming of UNIMAID has been divided. While a section of Nigerians consider it a worthy gesture acknowledging Buhari’s historical significance — especially since he once served as military governor of Borno State before his tenure as Nigeria’s democratic leader — others argue that changing the name of an institution established over 50 years ago may not have been necessary. Responding to these concerns, Education Minister Alausa defended the presidential directive, clarifying that the renaming carries deeper connotations beyond a mere symbolic act. He elaborated that Buhari’s administration from 2015 to 2023 was characterized by substantial reforms in areas such as national security, anti-corruption, infrastructure, agriculture, and human capital development. Among the landmark initiatives under Buhari’s leadership, Alausa mentioned the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, the Treasury Single Account (TSA), the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), and several social investment programs. These policies, according to Alausa, played significant roles in propelling national progress and economic stabilization. Further appreciating Tinubu’s decision, Alausa described it as an embodiment of “deep empathy and respect,” reflecting President Tinubu’s unwavering belief in the power of education as a critical pillar of national advancement. He remarked, “President Tinubu’s dedication to fostering human capital development is steadfast, aligning seamlessly with the national renewal vision championed by President Muhammadu Buhari.” Alausa stressed that the renaming of UNIMAID is more than a ceremonial gesture; it symbolizes the enduring values that Nigeria should continue to uphold — values such as service, integrity, and excellence, which he credited both the late Buhari and President Tinubu for exemplifying throughout their public service careers. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to these values, underscoring the importance of preserving and promoting the ideals that have shaped Nigeria’s path to development
