OBJ Detests Negotiations With Bandits, Tells FG to Sit Up

OBJ Detests Negotiations With Bandits, Tells FG to Sit Up

Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has once again stirred the national conversation on insecurity by firmly rejecting the idea of negotiating with terrorists and bandits.

Speaking at the Plateau State Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival in Jos, Obasanjo declared that Nigeria must abandon the practice of apologizing to criminals and instead take decisive action to restore peace and order. His words carried the weight of urgency, reflecting the escalating wave of abductions, killings, and attacks that have plagued communities across the North in recent weeks.

Obasanjo’s position comes at a time when the Federal Government has been criticized for engaging in dialogue with armed groups, a strategy that has led to the release of abducted worshippers and schoolchildren but has also emboldened criminal networks. He argued that modern technology, particularly the use of drones and advanced surveillance, provides Nigeria with the capacity to locate and neutralize terrorists without resorting to negotiations. “Why are we apologising? Why are we negotiating?” he asked pointedly, underscoring his belief that the government’s current approach signals weakness rather than strength.

The former president reminded Nigerians that during his time in office, the country had the ability to identify and track criminals, though operational limitations hindered swift apprehension. Today, however, he insists that those limitations no longer exist.

With technological advancements, Obasanjo believes Nigeria can decisively confront insecurity if only the government demonstrates the political will to act. He further emphasized that Nigerians have the right to seek international intervention when their government fails to protect them, a statement that highlights both his frustration and his call for accountability.

This editorial moment is more than a critique; it is a rallying cry. Obasanjo’s words reflect the growing impatience of citizens who feel abandoned in the face of relentless violence. His rejection of negotiations with bandits challenges the Federal Government to rethink its strategy, prioritize the safety of its people, and embrace decisive measures that match the scale of the crisis.

Insecurity has become a defining challenge of Nigeria’s present, and Obasanjo’s intervention is a reminder that leadership must rise above compromise with criminality.

The message is clear: Nigeria cannot afford to normalize negotiations with those who terrorize its citizens. Instead, it must sit up, harness its resources, and confront insecurity with courage and conviction.

Obasanjo’s voice, seasoned by experience and sharpened by urgency, calls for a government that protects rather than pleads, and a nation that refuses to bow to banditry.