In a direct challenge to the presidency, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential flag bearer, Peter Obi has questioned the Federal Government’s purported approval of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State.
Obi argued that patching up individual states cannot fix the country’s systemic security challenges, which instead demand a far more comprehensive and integrated national strategy.
His criticism comes following reports that President Bola Tinubu authorized the state-level recruitment amid mounting panic over nationwide insecurity.
Reacting via a tweet on his official X handle, Obi argued that while expanding security personnel remains critical, the administration must deploy these forces through a structured, nationwide policy rather than relying on a reactive, state-by-state approach.
Meanwhile, the former Anambra State governor said several states, including Oyo, Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, Borno, Katsina, Anambra, Niger, Imo, and Sokoto, are facing different security challenges.
He also asked whether authorities would apply such judgments selectively or extend similar permits to all states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Obi said, “The question is whether all the states will receive the same approval to recruit 1,000 forest guards per state, or is the recruitment approval based on the mood of the President?
“While recruiting more security personnel for Oyo State and the country is important, it should be done in a more organised and well-thought-out manner.”
Obi said Nigeria’s security problems stem from wider governance and development failures, including the underuse of the country’s resources, unemployment, and economic hardship.
He further argued that tackling insecurity requires what he called an ecosystem or holistic approach, with efforts to boost productivity in key economic sectors, create jobs, and strengthen national unity.
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