‘Security Situation Worsening as Fewer Roads Are Safe for Travel’ – Atedo Peterside

Founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank and President of Anap Foundation, Mr Atedo Peterside, has expressed concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation, warning that the number of roads considered safe for travel across the country appears to be shrinking steadily.

Speaking on the state of national security on Channels Television’s programme Politics Today with Seun Okin, Peterside said that despite frequent claims of improvement by government officials, the lived experiences of Nigerians on the roads tell a different story.

“I am not a security expert, but the way to measure whether something has improved is to ask yourself sincerely which parts of the country you are prepared to do a road journey without armed military security escorts,” he said. “It’s almost as if the number of places you can conveniently drive from one town to another is shrinking all the time.”

Sharing a personal experience, the economist and businessman recalled his recent trip from Akure to Ondo in Ondo State, a journey that drew warnings from friends and associates.

“Last week, I drove from Akure to Ondo. People were begging me not to embark on that journey. They said there was leaked information that people were planning to attack some communities,” Peterside explained. “So, when people say that things have actually improved, do they go outside to test it?”

He lamented that regions once regarded as relatively safe have now joined the list of high-risk areas.

“Years ago, you couldn’t drive around rural areas of Borno State, but now Zamfara, Plateau, parts of Yobe, Kogi, and others have joined the places not to drive through,” he said. “I’m just giving real-life examples, have things improved? Would anybody have told you not to drive from Akure to Ondo ten years ago?”

Questioning the government’s efforts to combat poverty, Mr Peterside stated, “We have thrown many people into poverty, and it seems that more and more individuals are being pushed into it. I honestly don’t know how many Nigerians can sustain themselves when I consider the total income they receive in a month.”

He emphasised the importance of protecting Dangote’s refinery, saying, “Whether we like it or not, Dangote’s refinery is a crucial national asset. Our responsibility is to safeguard it. It’s also vital that we ensure the unions do not become overly militant.”

When asked about his hopes for the change in leadership at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Peterside remarked, “I would never say never, but the INEC led by Mahmood Yakubu was a national disgrace. You only need to look at their IReV. If you have the time, I can show you the result sheets they upload, often mutilated, with some figures altered, and in certain cases, they even forget to change the wording.”

He also criticised the Nigerian judiciary for not meeting necessary standards and advocated for electoral reform that would shift the burden of proof to INEC. “I heard former Governor Dickson mention in the Senate that we need to amend the Electoral Act in significant ways,” Peterside said. “I agree with Senator Dickson that the burden of proof should lie with INEC.

“We cannot allow a situation where INEC can produce inaccurate results, mutilated and flawed and then argue that it is up to the victim to prove that their actions are wrong. Even a blind person can see that what they’ve done is incorrect.”