Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has delivered a powerful and alarming message on the state of Nigeria, warning that the nation is teetering on the edge of disaster due to failed governance, moral collapse, and the emboldenment of terrorists. Speaking at the 5th Frontier Annual Public Lecture Series, Abaribe did not hold back in highlighting the country’s security failures, leadership challenges, and the dangerous consequences of appeasing criminals.
Addressing a distinguished audience, including prominent politicians, civil society figures, and members of the media, Abaribe said, “We are in a state that has lost its moral compass. When bandits kidnap children and are rewarded with amnesty, when terrorists kill soldiers and are integrated into society, what we have is a state that has abandoned morality and justice.”
He emphasized that the foundation of any state is morality, justice, and equity. According to Abaribe, rewarding terror is not only immoral but dangerously strategic, as it encourages future crimes. “Every time you pay a kidnapper, you are planting the seed for the next kidnapping. A government that chooses appeasement over justice signs the death warrant of its citizens,” he warned.
Abaribe also criticized Nigeria’s security situation, lamenting the decline of the country’s once-formidable military reputation. He recalled how Nigerian forces historically helped stabilize conflicts in Liberia, Syria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, yet today face ridicule for failing to confront domestic terrorist groups. “It is shameful that foreign powers now attempt to dictate our moral compass. Nigeria was once a leader in security and discipline; now, we are told by outsiders how to handle our own country,” he said.
Reflecting on past political lessons, Abaribe drew parallels between the 2013 opposition consensus and current political maneuvering. He stressed that egos and self-interest often derail efforts at coalition building, citing how the opposition’s unity in 2013 led to the defeat of an incumbent government in 2015. However, he cautioned that leaders must move beyond personal gain: “The essence of politics should be to selflessly serve the people and the country. Yet we see governments engaging in blame shifting instead of addressing critical national problems.”
Abaribe singled out the ruling APC government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, criticizing its handling of national issues and its tendency to blame previous administrations for ongoing challenges. He called for a pragmatic, visionary, and morally grounded approach to governance, urging leaders to prioritize citizens over personal enrichment. “We are a poor country of over 200 million people, yet our GDP is below $20 billion. Leadership must focus on service, not accumulation of wealth,” he said.
The Senator’s address resonated strongly with attendees, highlighting three core issues: the moral decay of the state, the dangerous reward of criminality, and the urgent need for leadership reform. He called for decisive action against terrorism, corruption, and political opportunism, warning that failure to act will push Nigeria further toward disaster.
Concluding his speech, Abaribe expressed optimism about the discussions at the lecture series and encouraged attendees to think critically about solutions. “We must regain our moral compass, stop rewarding those who live on ransom and blood, and focus on justice. Only then can Nigeria hope to navigate through its many challenges,” he concluded, receiving a standing ovation from the audience.
