The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to seek assistance or resign, citing the government’s inability to manage the worsening security crisis in Nigeria. The party’s demand comes amid a surge in attacks and kidnappings of school children in several northern states.

According to the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the recent abductions of students in Kebbi, Niger, and worshipers in Kwara States, highlight the government’s failure to protect citizens’ lives and properties. Ememobong emphasized that the primary function of any government is to ensure the security of its citizens, and if it is unable to do so, it should either seek help or resign.

The PDP spokesperson criticized the decision to close schools in response to the kidnappings, stating that it amounts to surrendering to terrorists. The party is concerned that the Federal Government has not provided a coordinated response to the multiple kidnappings, describing the presidency’s approach as slow and unempathetic.

Ememobong also faulted President Tinubu for delegating the response to the Minister of State for Defence, rather than visiting the affected communities himself. The party argues that school closures will exacerbate the existing education deficit in the North, where the majority of Nigeria’s out-of-school children reside, according to UNICEF.

The PDP’s call for the President to seek help or resign underscores the growing concerns about the government’s handling of the security crisis in Nigeria. The party’s criticism of the government’s response to the kidnappings highlights the need for a more effective and empathetic approach to addressing the crisis. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the PDP’s demands and address the pressing security concerns in the country.