WorldStage– The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has charged Nigerians to remain undaunted by the recent activities of terrorists and bandits, urging them to remain united in tackling the security challenges.
He also urged Nigerians to be wary of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation following recent attacks, warning that the abuse of social media can aggravate the tensions and fears in the land.
He gave the admonition during a special plenary session on national security at the House chambers on Tuesday.
The session was witnessed by officials from the United States Embassy, Speaker of the Parliament of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Rt. Hon. Lanien Blanchette, along with Members of Parliament and Cabinet Ministers.
There were also civil society organizations in attendance.
The Speaker said, “The events of the past week reveal a deeply troubling escalation in violence across several states. The various attacks are not only coordinated but also designed to destabilise our country.
“They aim is to create the impression that violent groups can act without restraint. They focus on soft and vulnerable targets.
“Their purpose is to instill fear, weaken public confidence, and give the illusion of being everywhere at once. Nigeria must reject this tactic. We must resist fear and stand firm against those who rely on cruelty and spectacle to advance their evil ideologies.”
He added, “Alongside the violence, another threat is emerging. False information spreads rapidly. Unverified claims and fake images can escalate tension and undermine security efforts. Misleading posts on social media can inflame communities, cause panic, and erode trust in institutions.
“I urge Nigerians to rely on official sources and reputable news outlets. I also ask Members of this House to be cautious about what we share. Our words must promote stability, not add to confusion.”
The Speaker stated that the decision of the House to suspend all other matters to focus on national security was neither symbolic nor procedural but “reflects the seriousness of the moment and our duty to speak for our constituents.”
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for showing leadership and stimulating a swift response from the security forces.
The Speaker stated: “Acting squarely on the firm directives of the President, our security forces responded swiftly and courageously. The President’s decision to postpone his scheduled and widely publicised trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa to confront the current challenges directly set the tone for a more coordinated national response.
“He continues to receive continuous briefings from the security chiefs and has instructed that police personnel attached to VIPs be withdrawn and redeployed to frontline duties. These measures shape the swift rescue of the worshippers in Kwara State and the successful recovery of several abducted students in Niger State.
“Operations continue across all the affected communities, with renewed determination to reunite all missing persons with their families and to bring those responsible to justice.”
Abbas stressed that the swift response to the security crises and resolve to rescue abducted Nigerians was consistent with President Tinubu’s remarks at the Arewa Consultative Forum over the weekend, where the President stated that “nothing troubles me more gravely than the security situation in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region.”
The Speaker stated: “His leadership thus far reflects both political responsibility and moral urgency.”
Besides noting that the Tinubu administration has taken steps to reform the security architecture, the Speaker said there has been a shift in coordination among the services and a more deliberate effort to regain the initiative.
He also said evidence shows that these reforms have produced results as thousands of captives have been freed, high-ranking commanders linked to violent networks eliminated, and millions of displaced people have returned to their communities.
He stressed that there was also a measurable decline in some categories of mass abductions and kidnappings.
Speaker Abbas also noted that the House recognises the courage and commitment of Nigeria’s security personnel “who serve under exceptionally difficult conditions.” He also noted that “many have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, and their sacrifice will not be forgotten.”
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families who have lost loved ones in the course of these operations, and we honour their pain, strength, and resilience,” he said.
The Speaker called on his audience on the floor of the House to rise and observe a minute’s silence “as a mark of respect” for those who lost their lives.
While declaring that the House “stands firmly behind all ongoing operations and supports every lawful measure aimed at delivering justice and restoring safety to our communities,” Speaker Abbas pointed out that Nigeria faces “domestic and transnational pressures that require an integrated response.”
While admitting that Nigerians expect leadership that rises above partisanship and speaks with one voice at moments like this, Speaker Abbas said the debate must “reinforce our commitment to the safety of every citizen and support the efforts of the President and the Executive.”
