The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the escalating insecurity in Borno State, especially in the Marte area and urged the Federal Government to urgently deploy reinforcements to support troops already on ground.
Obi expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation, describing it as “unsettling” and warned that the crisis in Marte has grown beyond a local emergency and now demands national attention and action.
He praised Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State for his courageous leadership. Obi commended Zulum for not only visiting the threatened area but also spending the night with residents, showing solidarity and commitment.
Using his X handle on Tuesday, Obi stressed that Zulum’s action exemplifies true leadership—present, proactive, and people-focused. He challenged federal authorities to match such dedication with immediate and effective action.
Obi criticized the federal government’s slow response to security threats, warning that over 300 communities remain exposed while more than 20,000 Nigerians face fresh displacement. He emphasized that these people are not statistics but families and children whose lives remain at risk.
He echoed Zulum’s warnings that insurgents are regrouping around Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills and that Marte may soon fall without urgent intervention. Obi called for a swift and sincere response rather than passive acknowledgment of the threat.
Obi insisted that federal authorities must stop delaying and instead equip security forces with reinforcements. He called for real protection for displaced citizens, not empty promises.
He stated that compassion, competence, and courage must guide leadership decisions. He urged the Federal Government to rise to the challenge, just as Governor Zulum has done.
“If we fail to protect Borno, we fail the idea of Nigeria itself,” Obi declared. He concluded by urging leaders to act quickly, decisively, and with justice—putting the people above politics.
