The presidency has sent a strong message to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, warning critics to stop helping terrorists with statements that weaken public confidence. This sharp pushback came after new comments from Obasanjo accusing the government of failing to protect Nigerians. The presidency believes this kind of talk gives strength to violent groups who already depend on fear to control the country. That concern, that careless comments can indirectly help terrorists, sits at the centre of this entire argument.
A Clash of Old Power and New Power
Obasanjo spoke in Jos, saying Nigerians should even consider foreign help because the government has not kept people safe. Many Nigerians understand the frustration. People are tired. Attacks continue in different parts of the country, and families are living with fear. But the presidency sees something deeper: they believe such statements from an elder statesman give the wrong message to both citizens and enemies.
To them, asking the world to come rescue Nigeria is like telling violent groups the country has lost the battle. That, in their view, is how people stop helping terrorists, by refusing to send signals that the state is weak.
Sunday Dare, the President’s media adviser, argued that Obasanjo and other known critics are not offering solutions but planting doubt in the minds of Nigerians. According to him, this doubt plays straight into the hands of those who profit from fear, chaos, and confusion.
The History No One Wants to Discuss
One strong point the presidency raised is that insecurity did not start today. These groups did not suddenly appear. They grew over many years because many past leaders, including Obasanjo himself, failed to crush them early. Instead of taking responsibility for that history, the government believes these same former leaders now act as if the problem appeared only under the present administration.
This is why the presidency insists that for Nigeria to truly stop helping terrorists, former leaders must admit their own role in letting insecurity grow. If they want to advise, they should also support the current fight, not weaken it with heavy public attacks that have no real outcome beyond noise.
The Tinubu Government’s Defence
The presidential aide said the government is working on different levels, military action, intelligence work, economic efforts, and rebuilding local trust. These things take time. They are not instant. According to him, no government fighting terrorism should be attacked in ways that lower morale or shake national unity.
To him, Obasanjo’s comments were not tough love, they were reckless. And reckless words can help the enemy. That, again, is why the presidency keeps insisting Nigerians must join hands to stop helping terrorists, whether knowingly or unknowingly.
Who Really Speaks for Nigerians?
There is also a political angle no one can ignore. Obasanjo, Atiku Abubakar, and others who have also commented are not just ordinary citizens. They are political giants. When they speak, the world listens. And when the world listens, terrorists also hear.
The presidency seems to believe these men are playing politics with national fear. Their words are treated as national truth even when they may be exaggerating or speaking from emotion. The government’s fear is simple: if Nigerians believe the country is broken beyond repair, then terrorism wins without firing a shot.
The presidency sees its reaction not just as anger, but as defence. They believe they are protecting the country’s spirit from collapsing.
This argument is not only about Obasanjo. It is about the battle for public confidence. Terrorists survive on fear. Fear needs words, stories, and emotions to multiply. When influential leaders speak in ways that spread hopelessness, they help that fear grow. They help the enemy’s work get easier.
So the presidency says, intentionally or not, public voices must take care not to stop helping terrorists through careless commentary.
Nigeria’s Pain and Nigeria’s Pride
The truth is that Nigerians are tired. People are angry. People are grieving. Every family knows someone who has been touched by insecurity. So it is normal for emotions to rise. But leadership, whether past or present, cannot afford emotional speeches that shake the nation even more.
There is nothing wrong with criticism. In fact, criticism is necessary. But there is a fine line between criticism that pushes for solutions and criticism that tears confidence apart. The presidency thinks Obasanjo crossed that line.
What Should Happen Now
Nigeria needs honest conversation, yes, but not talk that weakens the country’s resolve. It needs leaders who correct with wisdom, not leaders who speak like foreign observers. If past leaders want to guide, they must also acknowledge their part in how we got here.
The presidency is calling for cooperation, not silence. Their message is that the real enemy is still out there, and careless words can make that enemy stronger.
