Former rebel urges restraint as nation approaches 2027 elections amidst rising unrest

Mr Endurance Amagbein, a former Niger Delta ex-agitator and philanthropist, has appealed to Nigerians to remain calm in the face of the country's security challenges, urging citizens to support the Federal Government and security agencies in their efforts to combat insecurity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Amagbein, also known as Adaka Boro the Second, made this appeal in a statement issued to journalists in Abuja on Monday, acknowledging the pain and suffering caused by rising cases of kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes across the country.

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Despite the security challenges, Amagbein expressed optimism that the country would overcome them through collective action, stating that he shares the pains and plight of Nigerians, especially those kidnapped or whose relatives have been killed in the spate of insecurity.

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He noted that all hope is not lost, as the security agencies are making collective efforts to win the war against banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and other forms of violent crimes, and expressed confidence in their abilities.

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Amagbein alleged that political interests are partly responsible for the worsening security situation, claiming that some opposition politicians are exploiting insecurity to discredit President Bola Tinubu's administration ahead of the 2027 elections.

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He specifically stated that some opposition politicians are fueling the insecurity to use as a campaign against the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, which he believes is unfair and misguided.

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Amagbein further alleged that some of those criticising the administration had previously benefited from it but later turned against the government because of personal interests, which he sees as a betrayal of trust.

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Calling for national unity, Amagbein urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country but to work with the authorities in tackling criminality, saying that hope is still alive and that Nigerians should join the fight against the enemies of Nigeria.

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He lamented the involvement of some community leaders in criminal activities, saying it is unfortunate that individuals entrusted with leadership at the grassroots have allegedly become involved in kidnapping and banditry.

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Amagbein described it as painful that community leaders have resorted to kidnapping and banditry, and then put the blame on the President after doing their evil deeds in the dark, which he believes is a cowardly act.

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Defending Tinubu's handling of the security situation, Amagbein insisted that the President should not be blamed for the country's security woes, stating that President Tinubu is not complicit in the crisis rocking Nigeria.

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He argued that the rigorous efforts President Bola Tinubu has put into the fight against the enemies of Nigeria who have declared war on innocent citizens is enough proof that he is concerned about the situation and challenges facing the common man.

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Amagbein also noted that the achievements recorded by security agencies in degrading terrorist and insurgent groups have not received adequate public attention, despite the fact that the opposition is hammering on the insecurity.

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He stated that several terrorists and insurgent groups have been eliminated by the Federal Government, but no one is talking about the gains made by the security agencies because bad news spreads faster than good news.

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Amagbein urged his supporters to continue backing the administration's Renewed Hope Agenda and appealed for more time for the government to address the country's challenges, saying that President Tinubu should be given more time to fix Nigeria.

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He assured the President of his unalloyed support today and tomorrow, demonstrating his commitment to the administration's goals and objectives.

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Amagbein's comments come amid growing public concern over insecurity across several parts of the country, with renewed calls from stakeholders for stronger collaboration among security agencies, communities, and political leaders to tackle kidnapping, terrorism, and other violent crimes.