The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has dismissed calls by the minority caucus for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign over the country’s security situation, describing the demand as part of a political agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State on the platform of the Labour Party, said the call was driven by political interests rather than genuine concern for the nation.
His reaction followed comments by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Fred Agbedi, who urged President Tinubu to either tackle the nation’s security and economic challenges or step down from office.
Responding to the demand, Agbese argued that insecurity remains a national challenge that requires collective action and support for security agencies rather than political rhetoric.
He maintained that addressing the country’s security concerns should be a shared responsibility among political leaders, citizens and relevant stakeholders, stressing that politicising the issue would not provide lasting solutions.
“The call for the resignation of President Tinubu is not borne out of patriotism. It appears to be part of a broader conspiracy by some political actors who are desperate to remove the President from office through every available means,” he said.
The lawmaker argued that calls for the President’s resignation at a time when security forces are intensifying operations against criminal elements across the country amounted to politicising national security.
According to him, members of the opposition should focus on supporting security institutions and offering practical solutions to the country’s challenges instead of making statements that could undermine ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability.
“I am afraid the minority leader, who is yet to settle down to work, has jumped to a narrow conclusion that points to lawmakers being manipulated from outside Parliament by forces interested in President Tinubu’s position ahead of 2027. Some of us in the opposition will not accept that,” Agbese said.
He maintained that the country’s security challenges, though serious, cannot be resolved through inflammatory comments or partisan attacks on the government.
“The issue of insecurity is a national challenge that requires the collective support of all Nigerians. What we need at this critical time is partnership with our armed forces and security agencies, not rhetoric designed to score political points,” he stated.
Agbese noted that Nigeria’s security challenges predate the current administration and require sustained commitment, improved intelligence gathering, adequate funding and cooperation among all stakeholders.
He disclosed that the House of Representatives had recently invited the nation’s security chiefs for an engagement on the security situation in the country, adding that the interaction would take place soon.
The Benue lawmaker also commended members of the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security operatives for their sacrifices in combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
He urged Nigerians to rally behind the military and security agencies, stressing that public confidence and support were critical to winning the fight against insecurity.
“Our armed forces are making enormous sacrifices daily. Instead of demoralising them through political attacks, we should encourage them and provide the support needed for them to succeed,” he said.
Agbese further expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the country’s security challenges, noting that the administration had continued to invest in security operations and strengthen the capacity of security agencies.
He called on political leaders across party lines to place national interest above partisan considerations and work together to confront the security threats facing the country.
According to him, lasting peace and security can only be achieved through unity, cooperation and a shared commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
