Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has described the recent directive by the United States to evacuate its embassy staff from Nigeria over rising insecurity as a troubling development and a potential “bad omen” for the country.
In a statement, Obi said the move should be treated as a national emergency, particularly for a nation already grappling with challenges in attracting foreign investment. He noted that Nigeria’s current ranking as fourth on the Global Terrorism Index underscores the severity of the security situation, which he said continues to deteriorate.
According to him, lives are being lost daily while communities remain under persistent threat, pointing to what he described as a lack of effective governance. Obi criticised what he called an overemphasis on political maneuvering at the expense of citizens’ safety, warning that such priorities could further weaken democratic institutions.
The former Anambra State governor said the U.S. evacuation directive signals declining international confidence in Nigeria’s security framework. He also expressed concern over reports of the killing of another Army Brigadier General by insurgents in Borno State, describing it as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by security personnel.
“A country where citizens cannot live, work, worship, or travel safely cannot make progress or attract investment,” Obi stated, adding that the government’s primary responsibility remains the protection of lives and property.
He further lamented that continued security failures have placed enormous pressure on the nation’s armed forces, who, he said, continue to make significant sacrifices under difficult conditions.
Obi warned that Nigeria’s worsening situation demands urgent attention, cautioning that without security, national development and political ambitions would remain unattainable.
