…Senior Advocate warns insecurity is undermining Nigeria’s democratic gains
..Says growing terror threat is eroding public confidence in security institutions
By Abiodun Taiwo
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Chairman of Eagle FM, Asiwaju Kunle Kalejaye, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately declare a national emergency on banditry, kidnapping and all forms of terrorism threatening the country’s peace and stability.
Kalejaye made the call in his Democracy Day message, expressing concern over the persistent wave of insecurity across Nigeria and warning that the situation has become a national embarrassment both locally and internationally.
The respected legal luminary joined a growing number of Nigerians demanding stronger and more decisive measures to confront the security challenges facing the nation.
According to him, the Federal Government must adopt bold and far-reaching strategies capable of reversing the current trend before criminal elements completely undermine the nation’s security architecture.
He noted that while efforts have been made by the Tinubu administration to tackle insecurity, the magnitude of the threat requires extraordinary measures and a clear demonstration of national resolve.
“The time has come for the Federal Government to declare a national emergency on banditry, kidnapping and terrorism. Nigeria must send a strong signal that it will no longer tolerate these acts of violence,” Kalejaye stated.
The senior lawyer observed that insecurity has continued to spread across different parts of the country, with terrorists and criminal gangs becoming increasingly daring in their operations.
He lamented that what was once largely restricted to remote communities has now extended into major towns and urban centres, creating fear among citizens and investors alike.
Kalejaye warned that failure to act decisively could further weaken public confidence in the country’s security institutions, especially the Nigerian Armed Forces.
According to him, there is a growing perception among some Nigerians that security agencies are struggling to effectively contain criminal elements.
He said one of the factors contributing to this perception is the increasing use of military uniforms by bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups during attacks.
“This disturbing development has contributed significantly to public distrust and confusion. If urgent action is not taken, the prestige and integrity associated with our armed forces may continue to diminish,” he warned.
The legal icon stressed that restoring confidence in the nation’s security agencies should be a priority for government at all levels.
He maintained that a declaration of national emergency on terrorism would not only strengthen ongoing security operations but also mobilise national attention and resources towards defeating criminal networks.
Kalejaye argued that such a move would serve as a clear statement of Nigeria’s determination to confront insecurity and protect its citizens.
He further urged the Federal Government to formulate concrete and sustainable strategies aimed at dismantling terrorist groups and criminal syndicates operating across the country.
According to him, effective security management requires proactive measures that identify threats early and neutralise them before they become entrenched.
“The protection of lives and property remains one of the foremost constitutional responsibilities of government. Security must always come first because no society can thrive in an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty,” he said.
The Eagle FM Chairman also noted that the essence of democracy is diminished when citizens are unable to freely pursue their daily activities due to insecurity.
He said celebrating Democracy Day should be accompanied by renewed commitment from leaders to guarantee the safety and welfare of Nigerians.
Kalejaye maintained that democracy can only flourish in an environment where law and order prevail and citizens have confidence in the ability of government to protect them.
He expressed concern that continued attacks by bandits, kidnappers and terrorists could negatively affect national development and discourage investment.
The senior lawyer therefore appealed to President Tinubu to take immediate and decisive action before the security situation deteriorates further.
He reiterated that declaring a national emergency on terrorism and related crimes would demonstrate Nigeria’s collective rejection of violence and criminality.
“It is left to President Tinubu to save our nation at this perilous time,” Kalejaye declared.
He added that Nigerians expect stronger leadership and practical solutions capable of restoring peace, stability and confidence in the nation’s future.
As the country marks Democracy Day, Kalejaye’s intervention adds to growing calls for urgent and coordinated efforts to tackle the security challenges confronting Africa’s most populous nation.
