The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu, accusing it of failing to address worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and growing threats to democratic institutions across the country.
The opposition lawmakers alleged that the government has become more focused on political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections than on tackling the pressing challenges confronting Nigerians.
Speaking during a press briefing at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Wednesday, Minority Leader of the House, Fred Agbedi, described the current state of the nation as one of the most difficult periods since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999.
“Nigeria is bleeding, Nigeria is confused, and Nigeria is being deliberately pushed to the brink by a government that has elevated 2027 electioneering above the lives and welfare of citizens,” Agbedi said.
Agbedi stated that the caucus convened the press conference with a sense of responsibility to speak out on issues affecting Nigerians.
According to him, remaining silent in the face of the country’s mounting challenges would amount to complicity.
The lawmakers argued that nearly three years into the current administration, citizens are yet to experience significant improvements in security and economic conditions despite repeated assurances from government officials.
A major focus of the briefing was the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was reportedly abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State before dying in captivity.
The caucus described the incident as a disturbing reflection of the country’s deteriorating security situation and called for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
“That a General of the Nigerian Army, who once commanded troops and defended this nation, could be kidnapped alongside his wife and later declared dead under unclear circumstances is a grave indictment of a failed state. It is a national embarrassment,” Agbedi stated.
The lawmakers noted that the death of the retired military officer came amid increasing attacks by bandits, terrorists, and other criminal groups across several regions, including the North-West, North-Central, and parts of the South-East.
They expressed concern that security personnel, traditional rulers, and ordinary citizens continue to be targeted despite ongoing military operations.
“If a General is not safe within the borders of our nation, then who truly is?” Agbedi asked.
The caucus further lamented the growing vulnerability of community leaders and traditional rulers, many of whom have become targets of kidnappers and armed gangs.
“Our security is in the mud.
Yet, the political class is busy rehearsing new political dance steps, seemingly unbothered.”
The Minority Caucus called on President Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to urgently present a comprehensive security plan capable of addressing the multiple threats facing the nation.
The lawmakers also advocated improved welfare packages for security personnel, enhanced intelligence gathering, and a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture.
The opposition lawmakers also expressed concern over the continued captivity of schoolchildren and teachers reportedly abducted in Oyo State.
They described the situation as another indication of the government’s inability to guarantee the safety of citizens and educational institutions.
“As we speak, schoolchildren and their teachers abducted in Oyo State remain in captivity.
Their crime? Going to school in Nigeria.”
The caucus called for an immediate and coordinated rescue operation by security agencies, warning that prolonged captivity could place the victims at greater risk.
According to the lawmakers, the incident revives painful memories of previous mass abductions of students across the country and raises fresh questions about the effectiveness of measures implemented under the Safe Schools Initiative.
