A former Niger Delta militant leader, Osaanya Ossanya, has warned “failed politicians” plotting to discredit the good works of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, ahead of the 2031 presidential election, to desist from such acts.
Ossanya, a beneficiary of the third phase of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), in a statement yesterday, stated that these politicians and their collaborators are unhappy that Nigeria is winning the war against terrorism, with bandits, herdsmen, kidnappers, and other violent criminals being wiped out.
According to him, “that is why they have resorted to blackmail and all manner of propaganda against Ribadu who is doing a great job that we are all proud of.” He said it was disheartening that despite Ribadu’s efforts, which have been confirmed by the improvement of Nigeria’s Global Terror Index score from 8.065 in 2023 to 7.575—the best score in over eight years—he is still being vilified.
Osaanya wondered why any sane person would link Ribadu with the politics of 2031, which is still six years away, if the aim is not to pitch him against his boss and distract him from the relentless fight against enemies of Nigeria’s unity and peaceful coexistence. The former warlord warned those behind the media attacks to desist, maintaining that Nigerians, particularly people of the Niger Delta, are happy with Ribadu and will stand by him and continue to support him in making the country free from terrorists.
He stressed that under Ribadu as NSA, key terror figures have been sent to their early graves, which explains why people can now travel freely along the Abuja/Kaduna road and other parts of the country.
While admitting that more work needs to be done, he called for support for the NSA and the Bola Tinubu-led administration to make the country safer and free from notorious criminals and their financiers.
The youth leader added that aside from physical security, Ribadu’s focus on food and other aspects of security further explains his intelligent approach to national security and his hard work, dedication, and avowed commitment to keeping Nigeria safe. He said: “Everything is now bearing fruit as we can see. Our National Security Adviser, one of the best we have ever had and one of the finest and most intelligent security experts to have come from our land, is on top of his game. His management of the nation’s security bears eloquent testimony to his dedication and commitment.
“We therefore condemn the incessant media attacks on the NSA by politicians who are agents of distabilization. Linking the NSA to phantom presidential ambition is absurd and a plan to distract him. His focus is not just physical security but other aspect of security. Trucks carrying farm produce are now monitored up to the market to prevent diversion to some neighbouring countries. Also, there seems to be an end to the smuggling of petrol to other countries. All of these are efforts that need to be commended.”
