Opposition using insecurity to discredit Tinubu administration – Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has alleged that some political opponents of President Bola Tinubu’s administration are exploiting insecurity and other challenges to create a negative perception of the country.

Akpabio made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking at the commissioning of the main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway, linking Ring Road 1 Junction to Ring Road 2 Junction in the Federal Capital Territory.

According to him, opposition politicians have shifted attention to insecurity because they are unable to criticise the government’s performance in key sectors of the economy.

“If they did not say that nothing is happening in Nigeria, how would they go for the election? They have to say that,” Akpabio said.

He cited reforms in the petroleum sector, the removal of fuel subsidies and ongoing infrastructure projects as examples of achievements that, in his view, have limited the opposition’s ability to campaign on issues of governance.

The Senate President further alleged that some individuals were encouraging acts capable of creating instability and fear among citizens.

“When they realise that they cannot talk about projects, when they realise they cannot talk about performance, when they realise they cannot talk about good laws and the transformation in the petroleum industry, they resort to other tactics. They start to recruit people to cause mayhem. They then kidnap people in order to give the impression that Nigeria is not safe,” he said.

Akpabio, however, did not provide evidence to support the claim or identify any specific political group or individual allegedly involved.

He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies in efforts to combat criminal activities across the country.

“I want you all to be very vigilant. Be careful and watchful,” he said.

The Senate President also commended members of the armed forces and other security personnel for their efforts in tackling insecurity.

“Our men and women in uniform have done tremendously well. I am aware of that, though many people do not know,” he added.

Akpabio expressed confidence that the country would overcome its security challenges and urged citizens not to allow political differences to undermine national unity.

“Elections will come and go. Elections will never be our end. We will see the end of elections; elections will never see our end,” he said.