“Stop insulting President Tinubu, insecurity did not start under his administration” - Minister of works, David Umahi says

Umahi Defends Tinubu Over Insecurity, Says Security Challenges Predate Current Administration

Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has defended President Bola Tinubu against growing criticism over the country’s security situation, arguing that insecurity is a long-standing national challenge that did not begin under the current administration.

Speaking during an event in Ebonyi State, Umahi urged Nigerians to stop placing sole responsibility for the nation’s security problems on President Tinubu, insisting that the issue predates his government.

“Insecurity Did Not Start Under Tinubu”

According to the former Ebonyi State governor, it is unfair to blame the president entirely for a crisis that has existed for many years.

“Stop insulting President Tinubu. Insecurity did not start under his administration,” Umahi said while addressing attendees at the event.

Nigeria has faced multiple security threats over the past decade, including insurgency in the Northeast, bandit attacks in the Northwest, farmer-herder conflicts across parts of the Middle Belt, and a rise in kidnapping-for-ransom cases in several regions.

Umahi argued that these challenges were inherited and cannot be resolved overnight by any single administration.

Claims of Politicisation

The minister also suggested that insecurity is sometimes politicised by individuals seeking political advantage.

He questioned why violent incidents and tensions often appear to escalate around election periods, implying that certain actors may be exploiting security challenges for political purposes.

“God is watching those behind the insecurity. We are praying for President Tinubu,” he stated.

Umahi further called on Nigerians to support and pray for the president rather than directing constant criticism toward the administration.

Confidence in Tinubu’s Leadership

The minister expressed confidence that President Tinubu could make significant progress in addressing the country’s security concerns if given sufficient time.

According to Umahi, another term in office would allow the president to consolidate ongoing reforms and strengthen efforts aimed at improving security nationwide.

His comments align with the position increasingly adopted by supporters of the administration, who argue that the government inherited complex challenges that require long-term solutions.

Mixed Reactions From Nigerians

Umahi’s remarks have sparked widespread debate, particularly on social media platform X, where many Nigerians shared differing opinions on the issue.

Some users agreed that insecurity existed long before the Tinubu administration and acknowledged that the problem cannot be attributed solely to one government.

Others, however, argued that every administration must ultimately be judged by its performance while in office. Critics maintained that citizens are more concerned with tangible improvements in security than explanations about when the problem began.

Several commentators also referenced Umahi’s previous statements in support of the president, remarks that had previously attracted criticism from some groups in the Southeast who viewed the minister as overly supportive of the administration.

Security Remains a Major National Concern

The discussion comes at a time when insecurity remains one of the most pressing issues facing Nigeria.

Reports of kidnappings, bandit attacks, communal clashes, and other violent crimes continue to fuel public concern, while opposition figures frequently cite security as a key challenge confronting the government.

At the same time, supporters of the administration argue that efforts are being made to improve both security and infrastructure across the country. They point to ongoing road, bridge, and highway projects as evidence of the government’s broader development agenda.

The Bigger Picture

Umahi’s latest comments underscore a broader debate about accountability and expectations in governance.

While allies of the president argue that insecurity is a long-standing problem that cannot be blamed entirely on the current administration, many Nigerians remain focused on one key question: whether the government can deliver measurable improvements in safety and security in the months and years ahead.

As public scrutiny continues, security is expected to remain one of the most closely watched issues of President Tinubu’s administration.