APC chieftain urges Nigerians to rally behind Tinubu in fight against terrorism

Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, has called on Nigerians from all backgrounds, religious, community, and political leaders, to rally behind President Bola Tinubu in the fight against terrorism.

Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, made the call while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Osogbo.

His appeal followed recent reports of alleged threats by United States President Donald Trump to take military action against terrorists killing Christians in Nigeria.

Trump had earlier declared Nigeria as a country of particular concern over alleged genocide against Christians and the federal government’s perceived failure to address the issue.

But the APC chieftain, while describing the period as “critical”, said Nigerians, irrespective of political or religious affiliations, should come together to back the President’s efforts to overcome the lingering security challenges facing the country.

Oyintiloye said the threat by President Trump to deploy military forces to Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians should be a source of concern to every Nigerian.

The former lawmaker stated that while the President Tinubu and security agencies are doing their best to end violent crimes in the country, Nigerians must be united to defend their sovereignty.

Oyintiloye noted that the current security challenges did not begin with the Tinubu administration but had developed over time, from terrorism to banditry, insisting that Nigeria had never been at war with any particular religion.

“We must come together and rally behind the President at this period. Our religious or political affiliations are irrelevant at this period; what we need is oneness and unity to protect the sovereignty of our dear country,” he said.

He said all religions in the country, Muslims, Christians, and others, have suffered the negative impacts of terrorism, noting that no faith could be said to be the specific target of the perpetrators of these heinous crimes.

While appreciating the concern of the United States over the security situation in the country, he urged the security agencies to prioritise intelligence sharing.

He also appealed to the US military to assist Nigerian security agencies with the necessary equipment to combat insecurity, saying such support would go a long way in helping Nigeria tackle and defeat the menace.

The APC chieftain, however, cautioned Nigerians, especially members of the opposition, to be mindful of their utterances at this time, adding that whatever happens will affect everyone.

Oyintiloye also urged the newly appointed service chiefs not to betray the trust reposed in them by the President, and to work hard to defeat terrorists in the country.

He appealed to them to do everything within their power to justify their appointment at this critical time.

“This is not a time to play opposition politics. We must all come to the realisation that all our hopes, aspirations, and dreams to get public offices rest squarely on the continued existence of Nigeria.

“Our current set of leaders will be there for a period of time and move on. But Nigerians must not walk into a trap that will make the country cease to exist. With the cooperation of all stakeholders, we have the capacity to end terrorism.

“Getting foreign support in terms of equipment will be good but not deployment of soldiers. It may complicate the situation and lead to a greater problem. The political, religious, and community leaders must be united in their resolve to protect the country.

“What Tinubu needs at this time is the support of all Nigerians,” Oyintiloye insisted.