By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged Nigerians to stand firmly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies, insisting that the country will overcome the current wave of insecurity and defeat those seeking to spread fear across the land.
Sanwo-Olu made the call in a statement issued against the backdrop of recent security incidents in parts of the country, including the abduction of teachers and students in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
He said the attacks had understandably generated concern among citizens but stressed that the moment called for unity, resilience and unwavering faith in Nigeria’s ability to overcome adversity.
“We are Nigerians. Our will is strong and our spirit is unbreakable,” the Governor declared.
According to him, support for the nation’s leadership and security institutions must rise above politics, noting that terrorists and criminal elements do not discriminate based on political affiliation before unleashing violence on innocent citizens.
“The forces of evil confronting our nation do not ask for our political affiliation before they kill, maim and destroy. So must our resolve and support for our nation be devoid of political leanings and divisive rhetorics,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu described every life lost to violence as a tragedy and called for prayers and solidarity for affected communities across the country.
“We must be united in our prayers for the teachers and students abducted from Orire Local Government in Oyo State,” he added.
The Governor urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country, recalling that Nigeria had weathered several national challenges in the past and emerged stronger.
“Our country has faced many challenges throughout its history. We have confronted economic setbacks, political instability, social tensions and security threats. Yet, through resilience, courage and unity of purpose, we have always emerged stronger. This moment will be no different,” he said.
He maintained that the security challenge confronting the country was surmountable and warned against allowing criminal elements to weaken national resolve.
“The forces seeking to spread fear and instability do not represent the character of our people or the future of our country. Their actions are designed to weaken our resolve and diminish our confidence. We must deny them that victory because we are Nigerians,” he stated.
The Governor also called on citizens across ethnic, religious and regional divides to remain united.
“This is not a time for division or despair. It is a time to reaffirm our common identity and our shared commitment to peace, progress and national development,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that government alone could not win the fight against insecurity without the active support of citizens and local communities.
“As citizens, we all have a stake in the security and stability of our country. Government alone cannot win this battle without the support, cooperation, vigilance and active intelligence sharing by local communities,” he said.
He urged communities to remain vigilant and support lawful efforts aimed at protecting lives and property.
“Together, we can create an environment where criminal elements find no refuge and no support,” he added.
Reaffirming his confidence in President Tinubu and the nation’s security architecture, the governor expressed optimism that ongoing efforts to strengthen intelligence gathering and dismantle criminal networks would yield results.
“I wish to reiterate55 my confidence in the leadership of President Tinubu and in the ability of our security and intelligence services to defeat the forces of evil unleashing terror attacks on soft targets within the civilian population in our land,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu also paid tribute to members of the armed forces and other security personnel serving on the frontlines.
“Every day, brave men and women put themselves in harm’s way to defend our nation and preserve our freedoms. They deserve our prayers and our motivation to lift their spirits as they take on these forces of evil,” he stated.
He noted that efforts to strengthen security architecture, improve intelligence gathering and confront criminal networks required patience, determination and national unity.
“Lasting solutions are rarely achieved overnight, but progress is possible when a nation stands firmly behind those charged with protecting it,” the governor said.
Expressing confidence in Nigeria’s future, Sanwo-Olu said current challenges should not define the country.
“I am convinced that our best days remain ahead of us. The challenges before us today must not define us. What should define us is how we respond with courage instead of fear, with unity instead of division and with hope instead of despair,” he stated.
He urged young people to remain hopeful, communities to stay resilient and security personnel to remain steadfast in defending the nation.
“To our young people, I say: remain hopeful. To our families and communities, I say: remain resilient. To those serving on the frontlines of our nation’s security efforts, I say: remain steadfast. And to every Nigerian, I say: keep faith with our country,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence that Nigeria would ultimately triumph over insecurity.
“This battle shall be won. Nigeria will prevail because the collective strength of our people is greater than the evil agenda of the few who are bent on making us live in fear and despair. Together, we will build a Nigeria safer within her communities and confident of her future,” he declared.
The Governor concluded by praying for continued peace, progress and prosperity in Lagos State and across Nigeria.
