Nigerians urge the Federal Government to either put an end to terrorism or step down due to insecurity.

Nigeria finds itself besieged by terrorists, rendering its highways unsafe for travelers who face the constant threat of abduction and ransom demands. Even after payment, victims are sometimes tragically killed. This wave of terror has extended beyond rural areas to the nation’s capital, Abuja, where brazen attacks occur in broad daylight, leaving residents kidnapped, killed, or injured.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has attributed the root cause of this insecurity to corrupt governance by the nation’s leaders. Speaking at the 10th Annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation lecture and award ceremony in Maiduguri, he highlighted the systemic issues plaguing the country. His remarks have stirred reactions among Nigerians, with some agreeing with his assessment and suggesting solutions, while others criticize the government for failing to fulfill its promises of security and stability.

Recent incidents, including the abduction and tragic death of Mansoor Al-Kadriyah’s daughter due to unpaid ransom and the killings of monarchs in Ekiti state, highlight the escalating violence and insecurity. President Bola Tinubu’s distant response to the kidnappings further underscores the government’s perceived inability to address the crisis effectively.

Activists like Zik Gbemre and Eric Omare criticize the government’s lack of political will to combat corruption, which they see as a major contributor to the country’s security challenges. Elder Joseph Ambakederimo questions the effectiveness of governance at both federal and state levels, suggesting a breakdown in accountability and governance structures.

Calls for action range from engaging mercenaries to tackle insecurity to prioritizing education and reorientation programs for disadvantaged youth. However, skepticism remains high regarding the government’s ability to reform itself and address the underlying issues driving the crisis.

Prof. Ekiyo Welson, a university lecturer, bluntly stated, “The government is incapable of reforming itself. The people must oust them and establish a new social and political framework through a fresh constitution.”

Majebi Amune, a legal practitioner, advocated for a proactive government leading by example. He proposed the formation of a committee tasked with identifying and prosecuting corrupt leaders while reclaiming their illicit wealth for the nation’s benefit. Amune emphasized the need to blacklist the associates of corrupt figures.

Former Acting Vice Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Professor Benson Osadolor, criticized the Vice President’s stance on the North East situation, attributing it not to corrupt leadership but to an agenda driven by a select elite seeking personal gain and promoting unfamiliar fundamentalist ideologies. Osadolor stressed the necessity for accountable governance and robust institutions to combat corruption effectively.

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) underscored the importance of strengthening institutions to combat corruption effectively. Dr. Bitrus Pogu, the National President of MBF, criticized political interference hindering anti-corruption efforts and called for a shift in behavior to prevent corruption from flourishing.

Bishop Sunday Onuoha of the Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace challenged Nigerian leaders to publicly disclose their sources of wealth to demonstrate sincerity in the fight against corruption. He highlighted public frustration with inequality and urged transparency from those in power.

Methodist Archbishop Raphael Opoko attributed Nigeria’s insecurity to leadership insincerity in combating corruption. He called for a reevaluation of societal values and advocated for severe penalties, including capital punishment, for corrupt public officials.

Public Analyst Hon Ayo Fadaka criticized the North’s tokenism-based leadership model and its negative influence on national governance. He highlighted the need for structural economic reforms over superficial measures.

Former Ondo state chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Hon Stephen Adewale, emphasized the importance of leaders setting examples of integrity to combat corruption effectively. He stressed the need for rebuilding trust between the government and the populace.

Estate Valuer Mr. Alake Moses echoed calls for empowering anti-corruption agencies and emphasized the importance of collective action in combating corruption.

Businesswoman Mrs. Adetifa Babatunde suggested a nationwide reorientation to challenge the perception that corruption is necessary for success. She advocated for capital punishment as a deterrent against corruption, drawing parallels with existing laws against rape in Lagos State.

Activist Jide Arogundade supported capital punishment for large-scale corruption, emphasizing its detrimental impact on society and the need for decisive action against it.