Gagdi acknowledged the continued loss of lives across the country but said the situation should not be used to dismiss the government’s efforts.
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Navy, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s handling of Nigeria’s security challenges, insisting that although insecurity remains a major concern, the administration has demonstrated commitment to addressing the problem and should be recognised for its efforts.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Gagdi acknowledged the continued loss of lives across the country but said the situation should not be used to dismiss the government’s efforts.
“It is unfortunate when lives are being lost,” he said.
“When you hear me say Nigerians are being killed, I’m not referring only to citizens who are not in uniform. It includes the gallant men at the frontline of this war, the police, immigration, Civil Defence, the Army, Navy and Air Force.”
While describing the current security situation as a “trying moment” for the country, the lawmaker urged Nigerians to put patriotism above politics.
“We must collectively be patriotic. We must be united against terror. By the time we keep drifting to a perspective of playing politics with the security and lives of the people, it will be unfortunate.”
Gagdi argued that insecurity did not begin under the Tinubu administration, noting that previous governments also struggled with the challenge.
“It did not start from this administration. Administrations in the past have promised to fix insecurity but again, there are tests and there are trials.”
Although he admitted that more Nigerians had been killed in recent times, he maintained that government efforts should not be ignored.
“I have not argued any day that people are not being killed. I am one of the voices of the masses on the floor of the House. But to say that government has not made any effort towards solving the problem of insecurity is not correct.”
The APC lawmaker said his position was informed by his knowledge of government actions as a legislator involved in security-related matters.
“I am privileged to know what effort this administration has put in place.”
He added, “I will not refuse to tell you here that the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did make effort towards solving the security problem. Promising to fix the security problem and putting effort towards fixing the security problem should be recognised. Whether you are able to fix your problem, or you haven’t fixed the problem, it doesn’t mean you have reneged on your promise to Nigerians toward solving the problem.”
According to Gagdi, recent improvements in security operations show that government has adjusted its strategy.
“The security agencies’ efforts in the last few weeks have been doubled and it is acknowledged. It means therefore that the problem is being identified.”
He noted that the recent changes suggested that government had recognised shortcomings in its earlier approach, saying, “If you have equally recognised the fact that there is an improvement in the modus operandi of security agencies towards the issue of insecurity in Nigeria, then the promise made to Nigerians has not failed. It only goes to tell you that perhaps at a point the federal government did not get the right approach to the problem.”
Gagdi, however, maintained that while criticism of government was legitimate, it should be aimed at improving governance rather than scoring political points.
“I have challenged government on the floor of the House where I felt government policy regarding insecurity was not correct, but not with a political tune.”
He accused some opposition figures of exploiting the country’s security challenges for partisan gain instead of proposing solutions.
“Instead of lamenting and proffering solutions, you lament and tie it to the fact that government is defective in solving that problem just to achieve some political gain.”
The lawmaker urged Nigerians to rally behind security agencies and place national interest above political, ethnic and religious considerations.
He stated, “What can we collectively do to make sure Nigerians sleep and snore? These should be the major things we should be talking about.
“We must put Nigeria first. We must put patriotism first.”