Former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has challenged President Bola Tinubu to fulfill his constitutional responsibilities as Commander-in-Chief by taking decisive action against the escalating insecurity and banditry plaguing Nigeria.
Speaking at a political gathering in Kano on Tuesday, Kwankwaso criticised the current administration for what he described as a lack of political will to address the nation’s worsening security situation.
“President Tinubu should rise to the occasion and answer his Commander-in-Chief name to tackle the problems of insecurity,” Kwankwaso declared, emphasising the urgency of government intervention.
He expressed deep concern over the continued killing of innocent Nigerians, alleging that many perpetrators operate with impunity due to government inaction.
According to him, the federal government owes citizens an apology for what he termed “laxity” in confronting the country’s security challenges.
Drawing on his experience as a former Minister of Defence, Kwankwaso praised the Nigerian military for its bravery and effectiveness, both at home and in international peacekeeping missions.
He cited deployments in Darfur, Liberia, and other conflict zones as examples of the armed forces’ global reputation for courage and professionalism.
“When I was Defence Minister, I knew the strength of the Nigerian military.
”They are courageous. What is lacking is the political will to enable them do the needful,” he said, urging the current administration to equip and empower the military to restore security across the nation.
Kwankwaso also highlighted the historical successes of the Nigerian armed forces in international assignments and stressed the need for strategic investment in national defense to change the prevailing security narrative.
Looking ahead to the 2027 presidential election, Kwankwaso revealed plans to make security a top priority.
He proposed recruiting over one million military personnel and integrating local security networks, including the Kano Neighbourhood Security Network, into the national security framework.
“Any government that fails to protect lives and property has woefully failed and has no business being in government,” he stated, underlining his commitment to restoring safety and stability if given another opportunity to lead the country.
