Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former presidential adviser and prominent spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum, has strongly criticized Nigeria’s political leadership over the persistent insecurity affecting several parts of the country.
Speaking during an interview on Trust TV, Baba-Ahmed reacted to the recent wave of violent attacks in northern Nigeria. He argued that the government’s response to such incidents has become predictable, relying heavily on public condemnations rather than concrete measures that could prevent future tragedies.
According to him, Nigerians have grown tired of hearing official statements after attacks while the underlying security problems remain unresolved. He warned that citizens can no longer accept repeated expressions of sympathy without visible action to protect lives and property.
Baba-Ahmed also addressed the way the crisis is often interpreted by observers both inside and outside Nigeria. He said the violence is frequently framed as a religious conflict, but the reality on the ground is far more complex. In his view, the situation represents a breakdown of security that affects people of different faiths.
“We blame each other. Muslims are killing Muslims. Christians are killing Christians. Americans are blaming the Nigerian government saying they are not protecting Christians,” he said during the interview.
The former adviser argued that these accusations and counter-accusations distract from the central issue: the responsibility of the state to ensure the safety of its citizens. He said the government’s pattern of responding to attacks with statements of condemnation has created frustration among communities that continue to face insecurity.
“In the meantime, the simple truth is our leadership routinely chants these statements of condemnation and then we wait for the next attack,” Baba-Ahmed added.
He noted that many communities in the North-West and North-East feel increasingly vulnerable, believing they are left to face threats from armed groups, kidnappers, and other violent actors with limited protection.
Directing his message to Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other national leaders, Baba-Ahmed insisted that Nigerians will continue to speak out and demand stronger action from the government. He stressed that citizens and victims of violence will not remain silent until meaningful improvements in security are achieved.
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