Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
Lagos, Nigeria — Former Rotimi Amaechi, ex‑governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation, has sharply criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over its handling of national security, following a spate of coordinated bomb attacks that killed at least 23 people and injured over 100 in Maiduguri on Monday evening.
In a statement issued through his media office on Tuesday, Amaechi denounced what he described as a “persistent failure” by the federal government to safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians. He directly linked the ongoing violence in Borno State to perceived lapses in security policy and intelligence under the current administration, alleging that authorities have not done enough to pre‑empt or prevent attacks by extremist groups.
The Maiduguri attacks occurred at multiple public locations — including a busy market, the entrance to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and near the Post Office flyover — during the early evening break of the Ramadan fast. Authorities suspect the bombings were carried out by jihadist militants, with Boko Haram or affiliated extremist factions widely believed to be responsible for the violence.
Amaechi’s criticisms go beyond expressions of sympathy for the victims. In his remarks, he questioned the overall effectiveness of the government’s security architecture and urged a reassessment of strategy, implicitly challenging the administration’s commitment and capacity to protect civilians outside Nigeria’s core urban centres. His statement also came amid broader political backlash, with other opposition figures and parties issuing condemnations and demanding stronger action against terrorism.
The Former Rivers governor’s comments added to a wider chorus of disapproval from political leaders across party lines. In parallel responses, members of the opposition as well as civic and regional organisations criticised the federal government’s absence from the country — notably President Tinubu’s foreign engagements — following the bombings, arguing that national leadership should be visibly present during domestic crises.
In response to the attacks, the presidency has publicly mourned the victims and reiterated commitments to national security. President Tinubu ordered senior military and security chiefs to relocate immediately to Maiduguri to coordinate counter‑terror operations, describing the bombings as acts of cowardice and emphasising that terrorism will not prevail against Nigeria.
Despite these assurances, Amaechi’s critique underscores deepening political debate over insecurity ahead of future electoral cycles. Analysts say his remarks reflect growing frustration among citizens and policymakers about persistent violence in the northeast, where insurgent networks have shown resilience despite years of military pressure.
Security experts have noted that the recent bombings expose ongoing challenges within Nigeria’s counter‑terrorism strategy, including gaps in intelligence sharing, border security, and community protection. The attacks marked one of the deadliest incidents in Maiduguri in recent years and have reignited longstanding concerns about the ability of state forces to contain militant activity in the region’s urban centres.
For many observers, Amaechi’s comments signal not only critique of the government’s current policies but also a broader call for comprehensive review and reform of Nigeria’s security framework. Whether those calls will translate into tangible policy shifts remains a subject of active debate among political stakeholders.
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