Agbese Replies Agbedi Over Call For Tinubu’s Resignation, Says He Is Yet To Settle Down

Philip Agbese, deputy spokesperson of the House of Representatives, has distanced himself from the call for President Bola Tinubu to resign over the security challenges confronting Nigeria.

Agbese, who belongs to the Labour Party (LP), described calls for Tinubu’s resignation as “mere opposition rhetorics.”

He described the calls for President Tinubu to step down from office as a political gimmick and not helpful in the fight against insecurity.

Agbese’s position is coming on the heels of a challenge thrown up by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Fred Agbedi, who recently challenged President Tinubu to either address the country’s security and economic challenges or resign from office.

But the House Deputy Spokesperson said Agbedi’s call was inflammatory and aimed at scoring cheap political points.

“The security situation in the country is difficult but it requires a collective effort,” he said.

He said: “The issue of insecurity is a national challenge that needs collective support of all Nigerians. “What we need at this critical time is partnership with our armed forces and security agencies, not political point scoring rhetoric,”

The Benue lawmaker said the opposition should rather channel their energies into supporting security institutions and offering practical solutions instead of making calls that could undermine ongoing efforts to bring back peace and stability.

He said Agbedi’s calls for Tinubu’s resignation were being sponsored from outside the National Assembly by those who wish to replace him in the 2027 elections.

“I am afraid that the Leader of the Minority who is yet to settle down to work has jumped into narrow conclusion that suggests MPs are adversely maneuvered from outside the parliament by forces interested in President Tinubu’s job for 2027. Some of us in the opposition will not go for that.

The demand for the resignation of President Tinubu is not a display of patriotism. “It looks like it is part of a bigger conspiracy by some political elements that are hungry to remove the President from office by any means necessary,” he said.

He said the security challenges confronting Nigeria are not new to the current administration and require sustained commitment, intelligence gathering, improved funding and cooperation among all stakeholders.

The House of Representatives has also recently invited the Security Chiefs for an interaction on the security challenges in the country, which will hold soon, Agbese added.

The Benue lawmaker lauded members of the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security operatives for their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.

He called on Nigerians to rally behind the military and security agencies, adding that the war against insecurity could only be won with the confidence and support of the public.

“Our Armed Forces make tremendous sacrifices every day. We should encourage them and give them the support they need to succeed, not demoralise them with political attacks,” he said.

“The administration has continued to invest in security operations and strengthen the capacity of security agencies,” Rep. Agbese added, expressing confidence in President Tinubu’s commitment to address the country’s security challenges.

He called on political leaders across party lines to put national interest above partisan considerations and work together to tackle the security threats facing the country.

He said lasting peace and security could only be achieved through unity, cooperation and a sincere commitment to the protection of Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.