Babachir Lawal Accuses Tinubu Administration of Failing to Address Insecurity

Abuja, Nigeria — Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has criticized the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing it of showing little interest in tackling Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.

Speaking during an interview the former SGF — who served under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari — said Tinubu’s government had failed to match the performance of previous administrations in addressing insecurity, promoting justice, and fighting corruption.

“Past governments were better, more accommodating. They served Nigerians better in the sense of equity, intention to fight corruption and being fair and just,” Lawal stated.
“Even in the sense of insecurity, Goodluck Jonathan fought insecurity. Buhari took over and did; this government is not interested in that,” he added.

Lawal argued that before Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, states like Adamawa in Nigeria’s North-East were relatively peaceful, but the security situation has since deteriorated.

Criticism of the NSA and Security Apparatus

The former SGF also faulted the performance of National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, claiming there is little evidence of active measures to confront the rising killings and attacks nationwide.

“I don’t see what work he [Ribadu] is doing. If I see what work he is doing, I will tell you. If I see results, I will say it,” Lawal said.

He lamented the frequent deaths of Nigerian soldiers on the battlefield, blaming systemic failure and poor equipment.

“When you send the soldier into the battle with an old, antiquated rifle that can only hold 20 rounds of ammunition, and he is facing an enemy that has one kilometre of bullets — you shoot one, it jams,” he remarked.

Defense of Buhari’s Tenure

When asked why such challenges persisted during Buhari’s tenure, Lawal defended his former principal, asserting that Buhari, being a retired army general, better understood security issues.

“Our time was better, better arms were procured. We had this advantage that our own was a soldier. Our Head of State understood the issues and he did well. Maybe [Tinubu] is not interested,” Lawal stated.

Background and Context

Lawal’s remarks come amid growing public concern over the country’s security situation, including continued reports of bandit attacks, kidnappings, and terrorism in parts of the North and Middle Belt.

The comments also follow reports that former U.S. President Donald Trump allegedly threatened to send forces into Nigeria “with guns-a-blazing” if the government fails to curb what he described as the killing of Christians by terrorists.

In response to the worsening situation, President Tinubu last week reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to intensifying the fight against terrorism and all forms of criminality.