Nigeria facing coordinated escalation of violence, says Speaker

Abbas Tajuddeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives

…says Nigeria’s sovereignty remains non-negotiable

Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives has said Nigeria is facing a coordinated and deeply troubling escalation of violence designed to create fear and destabilise the country.

Abbas said this Tuesday during a special plenary session dedicated entirely to addressing the recent surge in insecurity.

The special plenary session was attended by diplomats from the United States Embassy and the visiting Speaker of the Parliament of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Lanien Blanchette, as well as cabinet ministers, civil society groups and Members of Parliament.

Abbas urged Nigerians to remain undaunted by the recent activities of terrorists and bandits, urging them to remain united in tackling the security challenges.

Read also: FG confirms US partnership to combat terrorism, banditry

This is just as the Speaker urged Nigerians to be wary of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation following recent attacks, warning that the abuse of social media can aggravate the tensions and fears in the land.

“The events of the past week reveal a deeply troubling escalation in violence across several states. The various attacks are not only coordinated but also designed to destabilise our country. They aim to create the impression that violent groups can act without restraint. They focus on soft and vulnerable targets”, Abbas said.

“Their purpose is to instill fear, weaken public confidence, and give the illusion of being everywhere at once. Nigeria must reject this tactic. We must resist fear and stand firm against those who rely on cruelty and spectacle to advance their evil ideologies”, he added.

Abbas stated that the decision of the House to suspend all other matters to focus on national security was neither symbolic nor procedural but “reflects the seriousness of the moment and our duty to speak for our constituents.”

The Speaker commended President Bola Tinubu, by showing leadership and stimulating a swift response from the security forces.

According to him, the swift response to the security crises and resolve to rescue abducted Nigerians was consistent with President Tinubu’s remarks at the Arewa Consultative Forum over the weekend, where the President stated that nothing troubles him more gravely than the security situation in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region.

Abbas also noted that there has been a shift in coordination among the services and a more deliberate effort to regain the initiative.

He also said evidence shows that these reforms have produced results as thousands of captives have been freed, high-ranking commanders linked to violent networks eliminated, and millions of displaced people have returned to their communities.

Abbas said it was also important to restate “Nigeria’s actual security reality,” noting that over the past 15 years, the Nigerian Government has invested significant resources in confronting insurgency and widespread violence.

“It is true that in some communities, Christians have been targeted, just as Muslim communities have suffered similar attacks in others,” he said.

The Speaker however stated that Nigeria’s sovereignty remains non-negotiable, but Nigeria is open to partnership with the US in efforts to modernise equipment, reinforce training, and strengthen accountability systems.

Read also: Tinubu calls for global partnership to defeat terrorism

“Nigeria welcomes this prospect and is prepared to work transparently and responsibly with American institutions. Our sovereignty remains non-negotiable, yet partnership, especially when extended in good faith, can allow both countries to face shared threats with greater clarity and purpose”, he said.

While noting that Nigeria’s response to the Religious Freedom Accountability Bill has been “calm and measured,” the Speaker said the country has been mindful of its longstanding relationship with the US.

“I wish to reaffirm that dialogue is more productive than recrimination,” he said.

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