The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has dismissed calls for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign over the country’s security challenges, describing the demand as politically motivated and linked to preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State on the platform of the Labour Party, said the call by some opposition lawmakers does not reflect the position of all members of the opposition, insisting that national security should not be reduced to partisan politics.
His reaction followed remarks by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Fred Agbedi, who urged President Tinubu to either address the country’s worsening security and economic challenges more decisively or step down from office.
Responding to the demand, Agbese maintained that Nigeria’s security situation remains a complex national challenge that has evolved over several years and cannot be solved through political statements or calls for resignation.
According to him, insecurity requires a coordinated national response involving the federal and state governments, security agencies, lawmakers, traditional institutions, community leaders, and citizens. He argued that collective action and sustained support for security institutions would produce better results than political exchanges capable of deepening divisions.
Agbese expressed concern that some political actors were attempting to exploit the country’s security challenges for electoral advantage ahead of the next general elections. He said such an approach risks distracting the government and security agencies from the urgent task of protecting lives and property.
“I am afraid the Minority Leader, who is yet to settle down to work, has jumped to a narrow conclusion that points to lawmakers being manipulated from outside Parliament by forces interested in President Tinubu’s position ahead of 2027. Some of us in the opposition will not accept that,” he said.
He stressed that while the security situation remains a major concern for Nigerians, inflammatory comments and partisan attacks would not contribute to finding lasting solutions. Instead, he called on political leaders across party lines to demonstrate patriotism by supporting ongoing efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crime.
The lawmaker noted that Nigeria’s security challenges predate the current administration and require sustained reforms, improved intelligence gathering, better inter-agency collaboration, adequate funding of security institutions, and the deployment of modern technology to combat criminal activities effectively.
Agbese further disclosed that the House of Representatives has already initiated measures to strengthen legislative oversight of the nation’s security architecture. He revealed that the House recently invited the country’s security chiefs for a comprehensive engagement aimed at reviewing the current security situation and identifying practical strategies to improve national safety.
According to him, the planned interaction will provide lawmakers with an opportunity to receive firsthand briefings from security agencies, assess ongoing operations, and recommend additional legislative support where necessary to enhance the fight against insecurity.
The Deputy Spokesman also commended members of the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security operatives for their continued sacrifices in protecting the country despite the numerous operational challenges they face.
He acknowledged the efforts of security personnel who continue to risk their lives daily in combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and other criminal activities across various parts of the country.
Agbese concluded by urging Nigerians to remain united and continue supporting lawful efforts aimed at restoring peace and security, emphasizing that overcoming the country’s security challenges would require cooperation, national unity, and a shared commitment from government, security agencies, and the public.
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