Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has strongly criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing it of failing in its fundamental duty to protect the lives and property of Nigerians.
Amaechi’s remarks followed a series of deadly explosions in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, on Monday night, which left at least 23 people dead and over 100 others injured.
The attacks, believed to be coordinated suicide bombings, occurred in multiple busy locations shortly after residents broke their Ramadan fast.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the former Rivers State governor described the incident as a tragic reflection of what he termed widespread insecurity under the current government.
He accused the administration of complacency and a lack of decisive leadership in addressing the nation’s security challenges.
“This government is failing Nigerians in its most sacred responsibility,” Amaechi said, expressing frustration over what he described as repeated incidents of violence across the country without adequate response.
He further alleged that the government has not shown sufficient urgency in tackling insecurity, claiming that citizens continue to live in fear while authorities issue statements without concrete action.
The attacks in Maiduguri reportedly struck key locations, including a major market area, a flyover, and the vicinity of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, causing panic and widespread casualties.
Amaechi also called for accountability at the highest level, urging the government to take stronger measures to protect lives and restore public confidence.
He stressed that leadership must go beyond rhetoric and deliver tangible results in addressing security threats.
In response to the incident, President Tinubu condemned the bombings, describing them as barbaric, and directed security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri to coordinate response efforts.
Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Zulum visited victims receiving treatment and appealed to residents to remain calm and vigilant as authorities intensify security operations.
The latest attack has once again brought national attention to the persistent security challenges in Nigeria’s North-East, with analysts warning that sustained and coordinated efforts are required to curb the threat of insurgency and restore stability to the region.
