2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) has challenged the Federal Government to “match words with decisive action” as the “security situation in Borno State is concerning and very unsettling”.
The former Governor of Anambra State said, “What is happening in the Marte area of the state is not just a local emergency; it is a national alarm bell that must not be ignored”, to the extent the Governor of the Northeastern State, Babagana Zulum, chose “to spend the night in a town under threat”.
He said, if we claim “to be building a secure and united Nigeria”, then, the Federal Government must support the State “to prevent an entire local government of our 300 communities from falling into the hands of terrorists”.
“Governor Zulum has raised critical concerns: that insurgents are regrouping around Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills; that Marte is on the verge of collapse; and that the window for action is closing. These are facts. And it is not enough to acknowledge them; we must respond with urgency and sincerity”, Obi added.
Obi said: “The security situation in Borno state is concerning and very unsettling. What is happening in the Marte area of the state is not just a local emergency; it is a national alarm bell that must not be ignored. Governor Babagana Zulum, by choosing to spend the night in a town under threat, has once again demonstrated what leadership should look like: present, proactive, and people-centred. His courage is not for commendation alone; it is a challenge to those in authority to match words with decisive action.
“We cannot claim to be building a secure and united Nigeria when one of our own, a sitting governor, is left pleading for federal support to prevent an entire local government from falling into the hands of terrorists. Over 300 communities stand exposed, while more than 20,000 of our fellow Nigerians are displaced yet again. These are not just numbers, they are families, children, and communities whose hopes are hanging by a thread. Governor Zulum has raised critical concerns: that insurgents are regrouping around Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills; that Marte is on the verge of collapse; and that the window for action is closing. These are facts. And it is not enough to acknowledge them; we must respond with urgency and sincerity.
“We cannot afford to continue this culture of delayed response and distant governance. Our security forces need reinforcements. Our displaced citizens need protection, not promises. And our leaders, particularly at the federal level, must show the will to act swiftly and consistently.
“I have always maintained that Nigeria works best when leadership is driven by compassion, competence, and courage. Governor Zulum has shown all three. The Federal Government must now do the same. If we fail to protect Borno, we fail the idea of Nigeria itself. This is not about politics. It is about people. It is about protecting the soul of our nation.
“Let us act quickly, decisively, and justly.
“A new Nigeria is POssible.”
The security situation in Borno state is concerning and very unsettling. What is happening in the Marte area of the state is not just a local emergency; it is a national alarm bell that must not be ignored. Governor Babagana Zulum, by choosing to spend the night in a town under…
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) May 19, 2025
