The presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the United States’ recent classification of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and its indication of possible military intervention, describing the development as a wake-up call for Nigerians.
He noted that the country is facing an alarming level of insecurity marked by widespread violence and destruction of lives and property, citing reports that over 10,000 Nigerians have been allegedly killed since May 2023.
Obi said the killings are avoidable and attributed the worsening situation to weak leadership, poor governance, and lack of commitment from those in authority.
While acknowledging that insecurity predates the current administration, he criticised the ruling APC government for what he described as incompetence and failure to manage national resources effectively.
He emphasised that Nigeria should be a nation where justice and peace prevail without oppression or fear.
Obi called for constructive diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the United States, urging both countries to strengthen cooperation and adopt peaceful, practical solutions to address the security crisis.
He said, “The recent pronouncement by the US government declaring Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC) and indicating possible military action should give every well-meaning Nigerian serious concern.
“There is no doubt that Nigeria is experiencing an unprecedented level of insecurity with attendant carnage and the most shocking loss of lives and property. According to Amnesty International, over 10,000 people have been killed in Nigeria since May 2023 and as I have repeatedly lamented, the unwarranted and unprovoked killing of Nigerians is most condemnable, and all efforts must be made to bring it to a stop. It is equally important to state that the terrible situation is significantly avoidable with competent leadership and governance.
“While the insecurity did not start with the present government, what is most unfortunate is the lack and absence of competence, commitment, prudent use of resources, patriotism and passion on the part of APC APC-led government/leaders to effectively govern, galvanise and lead Nigeria where no one is unwarrantedly oppressed and killed, a Nation where peace, truth and justice reign!
“As democracies, Nigeria and the US have long been strategic partners committed to regional peace and security. That relationship should not falter. The present situation calls for constructive diplomatic and any other plausible engagement by both nations aimed at addressing the prevailing and disturbing security concerns. Both countries must work in concert and expeditiously towards that purpose. -PO”
This is coming after United States President, Donald Trump, in a post on his Truth Social account, instructed the U.S. War Department to prepare for a possible action in Nigeria.
He accused the Nigerian government of turning a blind eye to what he described as the “mass slaughter of Christians” across the country.
Trump warned that the United States would immediately halt all aid and assistance to Nigeria if the attacks on Christians continue.
He also indicated that America might intervene militarily to eliminate what he called “Islamic terrorists” responsible for the killings.
“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” Trump wrote.
He further stated, “I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST!”
