Nigeria’s opposition parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), have expressed concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s stance on security issues in the country. The parties question the president’s sincerity in addressing the security challenges facing Nigeria.

According to the PDP and ADC, the proposed implementation of state police will undermine Nigeria’s democracy and intimidate opposition voices. Vena Ikem, Chairman of the PDP in Cross River State, warned that state police will “spell doom” for the country, citing the failed experiment with state electoral commissions and the lack of autonomy for local government areas.

The ADC’s deputy national publicity secretary, Dr. Effiong Nyong, echoed similar sentiments, stating that President Tinubu’s administration is not genuine in its efforts to address security concerns. The party pointed out that during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, President Tinubu was a vocal critic of the government’s handling of security issues, but has since become quiet on the matter despite the worsening security situation.

The ADC also criticized President Tinubu’s decision to extend the tenure of the Inspector General of Police, viewing it as another indication of his lack of commitment to addressing security challenges. Despite increased funding allocations to states, security crises have persisted, leading the ADC to question the government’s willingness to tackle the issue.

The PDP and ADC’s concerns highlight the ongoing debate over security governance in Nigeria. As the country grapples with numerous security challenges, the opposition parties’ criticisms underscore the need for a comprehensive and effective approach to addressing these issues. With the government’s plans for state police and other security measures under scrutiny, the outcome of these efforts will be closely watched by Nigerians and the international community.