By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Spiritual Director and founder of the Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria (AMEN), Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has urged Nigerians not to allow rising insecurity in parts of the country to be used as a tool to turn public opinion against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Mbaka made the call during a sermon at his ministry, where he expressed concern over the recent spate of kidnappings and violent crimes, particularly the abduction of innocent children.

In a video of the sermon that has gone viral on social media, the Catholic priest alleged that some individuals may be exploiting insecurity to create panic and disaffection against the current administration.

According to him, Nigerians should critically assess the responsibilities of various tiers of government in addressing security challenges rather than placing all the blame on the President.

The cleric specifically called on Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity in the state, insisting that governors have a key role to play in safeguarding lives and property within their jurisdictions.

“Governor Makinde must wake up. Let Nigerians march on Oyo State because we have a governor there. We should hold Tinubu responsible if he is owing security votes of the state,” Mbaka said.

He further contended that criminal activities such as kidnappings should not be used as a means of achieving political objectives, warning that innocent citizens often bear the consequences of such actions.

Mbaka alleged that similar tactics were employed during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan and cautioned Nigerians against what he described as attempts to manipulate public sentiment through fear and insecurity.

“If they want to overthrow Tinubu, they should not do so by kidnapping our innocent children so that the whole of Nigeria will be angry with the President. That was how they did former President Goodluck Jonathan. They have started it again,” he stated.

The cleric condemned those behind acts of kidnapping and violence, describing such actions as inhuman and detrimental to national peace and stability.

He called on security agencies to redouble their efforts in combating criminality across the country and urged political leaders at all levels to work collaboratively to address the nation’s security challenges.

Mbaka also appealed to Nigerians to remain vigilant and united in the face of insecurity, stressing that lasting solutions would require collective responsibility and effective governance.

The comments have continued to attract reactions from members of the public, with many debating the cleric’s views on insecurity, governance and political accountability in the country.

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