In a strong rebuttal to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to President Bola Tinubu, has dismissed criticisms about the current administration’s approach to combating terrorism in Nigeria. Dare labeled these criticisms as misguided efforts to destabilize the government’s ongoing security initiatives.
Recently, Obasanjo voiced his concerns about rising violence in the country, suggesting that the government’s failure to protect its citizens might justify seeking foreign intervention. He asserted that all Nigerians, regardless of their background, are at risk and urged the administration to collaborate with the international community for assistance if it cannot ensure their safety.
Dare countered by reminding Obasanjo that the seeds of Boko Haram were sown during his presidency, arguing that the group was allowed to gain a foothold without significant governmental action. He pointed out that while the group was organizing, prior administrations did not take decisive measures to combat its rise, which has now evolved into a severe insurgency.
He emphasized that the Tinubu administration is addressing the complex threat of terrorism through a comprehensive strategy that includes military operations, intelligence-driven efforts, and community engagement. Dare cautioned that undermining the government’s capacity could inadvertently empower terrorist groups.
