Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has accused the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu of failing in its responsibility to protect Nigerians, following the deadly bombing in Maiduguri.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the African Democratic Congress chieftain described the government as “abysmally incompetent,” alleging it lacks the leadership capacity to safeguard lives and property across the country.
Commiserating with victims’ families, Amaechi criticised what he called the government’s inaction, stating that Nigerians cannot continue to mourn while leaders “live lavishly and ostentatiously” without taking decisive steps to tackle insecurity.
“This government is killing Nigerians. I repeat, President Tinubu’s government is killing Nigerians, literally destroying lives. He has failed in the most sacred duty of protecting the lives of the citizens of this country.
“The Monday bombings in Maiduguri is not just a tragedy, it is a damning indictment of a leadership that has grown complacent, incompetent, and indifferent to the sufferings and death of Nigerians to ravaging bandits,” he said.
Amaechi further alleged that the government has become disconnected from the realities facing citizens, accusing it of issuing “hollow statements” while communities remain under threat.
“While families mourn and communities live in fear, those in power issue hollow statements and make empty promises. In fact now, they don’t bother to make promises anymore. They just move on as if nothing happened. Tinubu would rather be dining and partying in London while Nigeria burns. They just don’t care!
“How many more lives must be lost before they admit their failure? How many more communities must be shattered and destroyed before they take decisive action? Insecurity has become the daily reality of ordinary citizens, and yet the government continues to stumble, unprepared and unwilling to confront the menace with the seriousness it demands.”
He added that “Nigerians deserve safety, peace, and dignity, not negligence and continued excuses,” stressing that any government unable to guarantee security has no justification to remain in power. He concluded by calling for the president’s resignation, declaring that “enough is enough.”
Amaechi also expressed sympathy for residents of Borno State, saying many lives had been “shattered because of Tinubu’s government failure to protect them.”
The criticism follows Monday evening’s coordinated attacks in Maiduguri, where multiple suspected suicide bombings killed at least 23 people and injured 108 others. The explosions occurred shortly after residents broke their Ramadan fast, targeting busy locations including the Monday Market roundabout, the Post Office flyover, and the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
President Tinubu had earlier condemned the attacks as “barbaric” and directed security chiefs to relocate to the state, while Governor Babagana Zulum visited victims and urged calm among residents.
What you should know
Amaechi’s remarks reflect growing political tension over Nigeria’s security challenges, especially in the North-East where insurgent attacks persist.
His call for resignation is a strong opposition stance, highlighting dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of insecurity. Meanwhile, the federal government maintains that it is intensifying military operations and support for security agencies.
The Maiduguri attack underscores the ongoing threat posed by terrorist groups despite years of counter-insurgency efforts.
