The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has delivered a searing diagnosis of the state of the nation inherited by President Bola Tinubu, branding the previous administration as an “extremely bad government” in a thinly veiled jab at former President Muhammadu Buhari. According to Ribadu, while dismantling systems is easy, rebuilding a functional and secure Nigeria requires time, patience, and unwavering resolve.
Ribadu made the remarks during a high-stakes security engagement with critical stakeholders at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi, as the state reels from a surge in deadly attacks and communal violence.
“We inherited a broken system, and we are fixing it,” Ribadu declared. “To destroy is easy, but rebuilding takes time. However, I assure you, we are addressing the issues. We have already reduced the violence we met on the ground, and this crisis too, we shall overcome.”
Visibly moved by the scale of suffering in the region, Ribadu extended heartfelt condolences to the people of Benue, pledging the full support of the federal government to restore normalcy.
“We mourn with you, we stand with you, and we fight with you. This is a trial for the entire country, and I assure you, Nigeria is 100 percent behind Benue. We will defeat this evil,” he said passionately.
The NSA praised Governor Hyacinth Alia’s leadership and underscored Benue’s strategic role in Nigeria’s security landscape.
“Benue is critical to Nigeria’s stability,” Ribadu affirmed. “The governor is doing a remarkable job under difficult circumstances, and he has our full backing. We must restore peace in Benue at all costs.”
Ribadu acknowledged the limitations of the nation’s security forces, noting that deploying personnel to every hamlet is unrealistic, but urged citizens to desist from politicising the crisis, as unity is essential in the fight against insecurity.
“Our armed forces are performing admirably. We can’t be everywhere at once, but we are making steady progress. What we need now is collective resolve and a halt to the politicisation of this tragedy,” he urged.
With Nigeria grappling with multiple security threats from banditry to insurgency, Ribadu insisted that the Tinubu administration had already made measurable gains in stabilising the situation.
“This administration inherited chaos, but today, we are seeing real improvements. We will not relent until every Nigerian feels safe again,” he concluded.
Ribadu’s visit comes as pressure mounts on the federal government to deploy urgent and effective interventions to stem the tide of bloodshed, especially in Benue and other flashpoints across the country. His message, however, was clear: the road to recovery is tough, but Nigeria is on the path to healing.
PIONEER NEWS 