Deputy spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese has dissociated himself from the call for President Bola Tinubu to resign over the security challenges facing Nigeria.
Agbese, a member of the Labour Party (LP), dismissed calls for Tinubu’s resignation as “mere opposition rhetorics.”
He described the calls for President Tinubu to resign from office as a political gimmick and not helpful in the fight against insecurity.
This position by Agbese comes on the back of a challenge thrown up by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Fred Agbedi, who had recently asked President Tinubu to either address the country’s security and economic challenges or resign from office.
However, the House Deputy Spokesperson, said Agbedi’s call is inflammatory and aimed at scoring cheap political points.
“Although difficult, the security situation in the country requires a collective effort,” he said.
“Insecurity is a national problem that requires the collective support of all Nigerians. What we need at this critical time is partnership with our armed forces and security agencies, not political point scoring rhetoric,”
The Benue lawmaker said members of the opposition should use their energies to support security institutions and proffer practical solutions rather than make calls that could undermine ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability.
He said the calls for the resignation of Tinubu being led by Agbedi are sponsored from outside the National Assembly by those who want to replace him in 2027 elections.
“I am afraid, the Leader of the Minority who is yet to settle down to work has jumped into narrow conclusion that points to MPs being adversely maneuvered from outside the parliament by forces interested in President Tinubu’s job for 2027. Some of us in the opposition will not agree to that.
The demand for the resignation of President Tinubu is not an expression of patriotism. “It looks like it’s part of a bigger conspiracy by some political elements that are hungry to remove the President from office by any means necessary,” he said.
He said the security challenges facing Nigeria are not new to the present administration and need sustained commitment, intelligence gathering, improved funding and cooperation among all stakeholders.
Agbese also said that the Security Chiefs have recently been invited by the House of Representatives for an interaction on the security challenges in the country, which will hold soon.
The Benue lawmaker commended members of the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security operatives for their sacrifices in the struggle against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
He urged Nigerians to rally behind the military and security agencies, noting that the war against insecurity could only be won with the confidence and support of the public.
“Our Armed Forces make enormous sacrifices every day. We need to support them and not demoralise them with political attacks,” he said.
“The administration has continued to invest in security operations and strengthen the capacity of security agencies,” Rep. Agbese added, expressing confidence in President Tinubu’s commitment to address the country’s security challenges.
He urged political leaders across party lines to put national interest above partisan considerations and work together to tackle the security threats before the country.
He said that lasting peace and security could only be achieved through unity, cooperation and a sincere commitment to the protection of Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.