An opposition member of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has faulted recent calls by the Minority Caucus for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign over the country’s security challenges, describing the demands as politically motivated and counterproductive.
Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, said addressing insecurity requires collective responsibility and stronger collaboration with security agencies, not what he called “mere opposition rhetoric”.The Labour Party lawmaker, who also serves as Deputy Spokesperson of the House, was reacting to comments by Minority Leader Fred Agbedi.
Agbedi had urged President Tinubu to either resolve the nation’s security and economic challenges or resign.According to Agbese, calls for the president’s resignation while security forces are intensifying operations amount to playing politics with national security.“The issue of insecurity is a national challenge that requires the collective support of all Nigerians. What we need at this critical time is partnership with our armed forces and security agencies, not rhetoric designed to score political points,” he said.
He maintained that opposition members should focus on supporting security institutions and offering practical solutions, instead of making statements that could undermine efforts to restore peace and stability.Agbese alleged that the demand for Tinubu’s resignation was driven more by political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections than genuine concern for Nigerians.“The call for President Tinubu’s resignation is not born out of patriotism.
It appears to be part of a broader conspiracy by some political actors desperate to remove the President by every available means,” he said.“I am afraid the Minority Leader, who is yet to settle down to work, has jumped to a narrow conclusion that points to lawmakers being influenced from outside parliament by forces interested in President Tinubu’s job in 2027.
Some of us in the opposition will not accept that,” he added.Agbese noted that Nigeria’s security challenges predate the current administration and require sustained commitment, improved intelligence gathering, adequate funding, and cooperation among all stakeholders.He disclosed that the House had recently invited security chiefs for an interaction on the security situation, adding that the engagement would hold soon.
The Benue lawmaker commended the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, and other security operatives for their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality.
He urged Nigerians to rally behind the military and security agencies, stressing that public confidence and support remain essential to winning the war against insecurity.“Our armed forces are making enormous sacrifices daily. Instead of demoralising them through political attacks, we should encourage them and provide the support needed for them to succeed,” he said.
Agbese also expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the country’s security challenges, noting that the administration has continued to invest in security operations and strengthen the capacity of agencies.
He called on political leaders across party lines to place national interest above partisan considerations and work together to confront security threats.According to him, lasting peace and security can only be achieved through unity, cooperation, and a shared commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.