Abaribe Criticises Attempt to Shift Focus from Nigeria’s Problems at Senate

At the Senate plenary on Wednesday, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South Senatorial District, criticised what he called ongoing attempts to shift focus from Nigeria’s present problems by referencing past administrations.

“We are told every day to be patriotic. We are told here that we shouldn’t say anything against the government. We have been told that, oh, you should not talk about the past. You should focus on the present.”

Citing George Orwell’s famous remark that “in times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act,” Abaribe stated that the Senate has a duty to confront current realities rather than recycle excuses.

He disapproved of repeated references to events before the current administration, like the 2015 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction and earlier security issues in the northern states, arguing these comparisons are used to downplay today’s failures.

“Why do we, any time we need to talk about the present issues of today, go back to start looking for excuses for our failures of today?” he questioned.

Abaribe insisted that the government in power must accept responsibility for the state of the nation. Referring to a recent revelation by the Governor of Kebbi State that troops were allegedly withdrawn before a major kidnapping incident, he criticised the lack of transparency or investigation.

“Till today, nobody in Nigeria knows what happened, and no question has been asked,” he stated.

He argued that resolute leadership was essential, stating that if he were Commander-in-Chief, military authorities would be compelled to identify and hold accountable anyone responsible for decisions that endanger citizens.

“A country is not run on pacification. A country is run on confronting issues,” Abaribe declared, urging the Senate to “do the right thing” in tackling Nigeria’s escalating security and governance challenges.

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