By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged Nigerians to stand firmly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies, insisting that the country will overcome the current wave of insecurity and defeat those seeking to spread fear across the land.
Sanwo-Olu made the call in a statement issued against the backdrop of recent security incidents in parts of the country, including the abduction of teachers and students in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
He said the attacks had understandably generated concern among citizens but stressed that the moment called for unity, resilience and unwavering faith in Nigeria’s ability to overcome adversity.
“We are Nigerians. Our will is strong and our spirit is unbreakable,” the Governor declared.
According to him, support for the nation’s leadership and security institutions must rise above politics, noting that terrorists and criminal elements do not discriminate based on political affiliation before unleashing violence on innocent citizens.
“The forces of evil confronting our nation do not ask for our political affiliation before they kill, maim and destroy. So must our resolve and support for our nation be devoid of political leanings and divisive rhetorics,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu described every life lost to violence as a tragedy and called for prayers and solidarity for affected communities across the country.
“We must be united in our prayers for the teachers and students abducted from Orire Local Government in Oyo State,” he added.
The Governor urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country, recalling that Nigeria had weathered several national challenges in the past and emerged stronger.
“Our country has faced many challenges throughout its history. We have confronted economic setbacks, political instability, social tensions and security threats. Yet, through resilience, courage and unity of purpose, we have always emerged stronger. This moment will be no different,” he said.
He maintained that the security challenge confronting the country was surmountable and warned against allowing criminal elements to weaken national resolve.
“The forces seeking to spread fear and instability do not represent the character of our people or the future of our country. Their actions are designed to weaken our resolve and diminish our confidence. We must deny them that victory because we are Nigerians,” he stated.
The Governor also called on citizens across ethnic, religious and regional divides to remain united.
“This is not a time for division or despair. It is a time to reaffirm our common identity and our shared commitment to peace, progress and national development,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that government alone could not win the fight against insecurity without the active support of citizens and local communities.
“As citizens, we all have a stake in the security and stability of our country. Government alone cannot win this battle without the support, cooperation, vigilance and active intelligence sharing by local communities,” he said.
He urged communities to remain vigilant and support lawful efforts aimed at protecting lives and property.
“Together, we can create an environment where criminal elements find no refuge and no support,” he added.
Reaffirming his confidence in President Tinubu and the nation’s security architecture, the governor expressed optimism that ongoing efforts to strengthen intelligence gathering and dismantle criminal networks would yield results.
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