Atiku blames govt for insecurity, vows to tackle crisis in one year

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the Federal Government of failing to adequately address Nigeria’s security challenges.

Atiku stressed that the country’s insecurity can be substantially brought under control within a year under his leadership.

Speaking during an interview with the BBC, the former vice president attributed the persistent wave of insurgency, banditry, and other violent crimes to what he described as government negligence and inadequate investment in the nation’s security architecture.

He added that the Nigeria Police Force remains grossly understaffed for a country of more than 200 million people.

“I remember when we were in office, I told the president that we are over 200 million people and yet we have less than 200,000 policemen,” Atiku said.

Atiku contrasted Nigeria’s security situation with that of Egypt, arguing that the North African country has maintained greater stability through a larger police force.

“Egypt, with about 80 million people, had one million policemen on the streets, and therefore there is peace there,” he added.

Atiku: Tinubu is 90, I’ll present evidence in court

Expressing confidence in his ability to tackle the crisis, the ADC candidate said: “Believe me, within one year, we can control this insurgency and insecurity that is all over the place.”

The former vice president also defended his decision to seek the presidency again, saying his political ambition was driven by his experience and commitment to national service.

“I have the experience, I have the competence, I have the patriotism. So why would I not make all this available to the service of my country?” he asked.