APC Reacts to Opposition Comment on Security

The ruling All Progressives Congress APC has reacted to a communique issued by governors of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party PDP on the recent security challenges recorded in some parts of the country.

Recall that the PDP leaders had earlier expressed concerns over the spate of insecurity in the country. The National Chairman of the Party, Uche Secondus,  has said if the worsening security situation persists in Nigeria, the next general elections may not hold.

Secondus had called on the ruling All Progressives Congress and the President Buhari led administration to constitute a National Security Conference immediately to address the security in the country.

According to him, “Our country today is grounded by insecurity and there has been no matching response from government despite the demands of the 1999 operating constitution in section 14 subsection (2b) that “the welfare and security of the citizens shall be the primary purpose of government”.

“Terrorists in the North before were confined to the North East region but today 50 villages have been reportedly taken by them in North Central state of Niger. Where they are now, we hear is about two hours drive away from Abuja. Herdsmen are also menacing in the West, Gunmen causing havoc in the East and the militants in the South all killing, looting, raping, maiming and burning down homes. The situation is bad, Nigerians all over are living in fear.

Meanwhile, the National Secretary of the APC’s Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe, had in a statement said the ruling party  shares the concerns of the PDP governors.

The statement reveals thus:, “let no one be in doubt as to the urgency and capacity of the President Muhammadu Buhari government to end the recent security incidents.”

“We urge stakeholders and indeed all well-meaning Nigerians to avoid politicising or being simplistic about the security situation,” the statement said. “At a time like this, our duty to our nation as good citizens should outweigh political party colorations.

“As those who receive constant security briefings, PDP Governors should know that divisive rhetorics can only embolden the criminals who are carrying out these cowardly acts. This is not the time to play to the gallery, but sit down to find real and lasting solutions. The latter is what the President Buhari administration is doing.

“While high-level investigations are ongoing to fish out sponsors and President Buhari has already given marching orders to our security services to check the security incidents. We pray the investigations should not reveal conspiracies by the opposition to weaken the government in furtherance of their desperate 2023 aspirations.

“We are however confident that our PDP governors and indeed all stakeholders will cooperate and support ongoing efforts to quickly and permanently end the security incidents.”