APC Leader Calls for National Unity Behind Tinubu in Terrorism Fight
In a passionate appeal for national solidarity, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain has urged Nigerians to set aside political and religious differences to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration in its battle against terrorism and insecurity.
Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker and respected APC figure in Osun State, made the call during an exclusive interview with journalists in Osogbo on Sunday. His statement comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria’s security landscape, particularly following recent international attention on the country’s terrorist activities.
International Concerns and National Sovereignty
The timing of Oyintiloye’s appeal coincides with reported threats from former United States President Donald Trump, who has suggested potential military intervention in Nigeria to address the alleged targeting of Christians by terrorist groups. Trump had previously designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” due to what he described as genocide against Christians and insufficient government response.
“Trump’s threat to deploy military forces to Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians should concern every Nigerian,” Oyintilowe stated, his voice firm with conviction. “While President Tinubu and our security agencies are doing their best to end violent crimes in the country, Nigerians must unite to defend our sovereignty.”
Beyond Political and Religious Divisions
The APC leader emphasized that Nigeria’s security challenges didn’t originate with the current administration but have evolved over years, morphing from terrorism to widespread banditry. He insisted that characterizing the violence as targeting any particular religion misrepresents the complex reality on the ground.
“We must come together and rally behind the President at this time,” he urged. “Our religious or political affiliations are irrelevant now; what we need is oneness and unity to protect the sovereignty of our dear country.”
Oyintiloye pointed out that Muslims, Christians, and adherents of all faiths have suffered equally from terrorism’s devastating impact. The former lawmaker argued that no religious community could claim exclusive victimhood in the face of violence that has affected communities across ethnic and religious lines.
Call for Strategic International Support
While acknowledging United States concerns about Nigeria’s security situation, Oyintiloye advocated for a specific form of international assistance. He called for enhanced intelligence sharing between security agencies and urged the U.S. military to provide Nigerian forces with necessary equipment to combat insecurity more effectively.
“Getting foreign support in terms of equipment would be good, but not the deployment of soldiers,” he cautioned. “That might complicate the situation and lead to greater problems.”
Appeal to New Service Chiefs and Opposition
The APC chieftain also directed a message to Nigeria’s newly appointed service chiefs, urging them to justify the confidence placed in them by the President. “They must do everything within their power to defeat terrorists in the country,” he emphasized.
In a pointed message to political opponents, Oyintiloye advised caution in public statements during this sensitive period. “This is not a time to play opposition politics,” he stated. “We must all realize that all our hopes, aspirations, and dreams to hold public office depend entirely on Nigeria’s continued existence.”
A Unified Path Forward
Oyintiloye concluded with a powerful vision of collective responsibility: “Our current leaders will be there for a period and then move on. But Nigerians must not fall into a trap that would cause the country to cease existing. With all stakeholders’ cooperation, we have the capacity to end terrorism.”
He called on political, religious, and community leaders to unite in their resolve to protect the nation, emphasizing that “what Tinubu needs at this time is the support of all Nigerians” in confronting the security challenges that threaten the country’s stability and future prosperity.
Source: Original reporting from journalists in Osogbo