•Says rising insecurity in Marte calls for emergency action, hails Zulum’s courage

The presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the general 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, warned that “If we fail to protect Borno, we fail the idea of Nigeria itself”, echoing a recent alarm raised by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum about rising threats of invasion of parts of the state by insurgents. 

Obi said the rising insecurity in Borno State, especially in the Marte area, was unsettling and called for emergency action.

He said, “I have always maintained that Nigeria works best when leadership is driven by compassion, competence, and courage. Governor Zulum has shown all three. The federal government must now do the same.

“If we fail to protect Borno, we fail the idea of Nigeria itself.”

Stating that the issue of insecurity in the Marte area of Borno State “is not about politics,” Obi said, “it is about people. It is about protecting the soul of our nation. Let us act quickly, decisively, and justly.”

He commended Zulum for the courage to relocate to the troubled area, writing on his X handle that Zulum’s choice to “spend the night in a town under threat” was a “challenge to those in authority to match words with decisive action”.

According to him, “The security situation in Borno State is concerning and very unsettling. What is happening in the Marte area of the state is not just a local emergency; it is a national alarm bell that must not be ignored.

‘’Governor Babagana Zulum, by choosing to spend the night in a town under threat, has once again demonstrated what leadership should look like: present, proactive, and people-centred. His courage is not for commendation alone; it is a challenge to those in authority to match words with decisive action.

“We cannot claim to be building a secure and united Nigeria when one of our own, a sitting governor, is left pleading for federal support to prevent an entire local government from falling into the hands of terrorists.

‘’Over 300 communities stand exposed, while more than 20,000 of our fellow Nigerians are displaced yet again. These are not just numbers, they are families, children, and communities whose hopes are hanging by a thread.

“Governor Zulum has raised critical concerns: that insurgents are regrouping around Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills; that Marte is on the verge of collapse; and that the window for action is closing. These are facts. And it is not enough to acknowledge them; we must respond with urgency and sincerity.”

Obi added, “We cannot afford to continue this culture of delayed response and distant governance. Our security forces need reinforcements. Our displaced citizens need protection, not promises. And our leaders, particularly at the federal level, must show the will to act swiftly and consistently.

“This is not about politics. It is about people. It is about protecting the soul of our nation. Let us act quickly, decisively, and justly. A new Nigeria is Possible.”