SAD calls for special taskforce, declaration of state of emergency on Insecurity

By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka
Abuja

The National President of the Society for Advancement of Democracy (SAD), Prince Orji Nwafor-Orizu, has called on the Federal Government to set up a special taskforce and declare a state of emergency on insecurity to stem the tide of killings and abductions across Nigeria.

Speaking to journalists on Democracy Day in his Abuja chambers, the elder statesman and Principal Partner of Friends Chambers lamented what he described as weak presidential leadership and the government’s apparent indifference to citizens’ welfare.

He recalled former First Lady Patience Jonathan’s public tears during the Chibok girls’ abduction and asked what the current First Lady has done to commiserate with mothers grieving over mass killings nationwide.

Nwafor-Orizu, who served as Special Assistant to former President Shehu Shagari, said Nigeria needs urgent, decisive action beyond routine security briefings. “We need a special taskforce and a declaration of war against insecurity. This is not the time for half measures,” he declared. He also condemned the arrest of critics and what he termed the use of courts to suppress opposition, warning that such actions weaken democratic institutions.

While addressing security, the SAD president urged the Senate not to derail democracy by shielding draconian legislation and corruption originating from the presidency. “Although the Senate President only announces the chamber’s decisions, the Senate as an institution must rise to protect democratic norms and the rule of law,” he said.

Nwafor-Orizu rated the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu poorly on democratic governance, accusing it of strangling democracy through executive overreach and hijacking internal party processes. He faulted what he called narrow assessments of the government, arguing that political, economic, and security realities must be weighed together.

Despite his criticism, he acknowledged the removal of fuel subsidy as a positive step, noting that states now receive ₦2-3 trillion monthly instead of ₦400-500 million, which has ended salary delays. He stressed, however, that the real test is accountability in spending. He also praised Peter Obi’s record in Anambra for leaving surplus funds and winning a UN award on MDGs, and rejected calls for state police, warning it would turn governors into “emperors” and wipe out opposition.