The Internal Threat: A Reflection on Our National Leadership

The internal adversary smiles, ridiculing our President when he stumbles in distant Turkiya.

They remain ignorant of the fact that a democratically elected President, regardless of personal opinions, is a representation of our nation, embodying our national pride and sovereignty. They wish for his downfall and secretly celebrate his failures in their sinister, twisted minds.

They overlook the reality that a fall of our President reflects the fall of our nation.

True patriots should pray for and support their nation's leader, regardless of personal allegiances, especially when they are advocating for the welfare of the people abroad.

In hush tones, they express glee over his demise.

With satisfaction, they proclaim, “Finally, we have him defeated!”

They always hope for the worst outcomes, forgetting that anyone can stumble at any moment, as the scriptures remind us, “Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise...”- Micah 7:8.

Furthermore, it states, “For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again; but the wicked shall fall by calamity”- Proverbs 24:16.

Thanks be to God—for the disgrace of our adversaries—that although our President fell in Turkey before the eyes of the world, he rose resiliently, continuing to negotiate and finalize various bilateral agreements that promise to enhance security, comfort, and prosperity for our country with President Erdoğan of Turkiya.

This reflects the resilience of a righteous leader, affirming that divine presence protects him while his internal enemies falter once again.

Yet, they never relent and never will, as they are driven by a dark and depraved mindset that feeds on chaos, calamity, sorrow, and misery.

This internal adversary derives pleasure from turmoil, akin to masochists who take joy in painful events.

They revel in the cries of children and the mourning of widows, finding joy in the distress of orphans.

Consider their reaction to the tragic incidents in Kajuru, Kaduna state earlier this month.

I share the grief and concern of many regarding the abduction of worshippers and, like others, I pray for their quick and safe return.

However, I must observe with sadness that a minority of political leaders in opposition are covertly undermining and discrediting our Government, collaborating with outside forces while seemingly benefiting from the plight of abducted Nigerians.

They hypocritically decry the situation while secretly desiring it, manipulating narratives to their advantage.

For some, this perpetuates the idea that Christians are the only targets in Nigeria, playing into the international narrative of Christian persecution and genocide while suggesting that having a Christian candidate for president could resolve the issue.

Both positions neglect the complexity of the circumstances and are overly simplistic and misguided.

The harmful lies that sustain this viewpoint are reckless and insincere.

It is unacceptable to leverage the suffering of the populace for political gain or to misrepresent facts, insinuating that solely Christians face abductions while neglecting the fact that Muslims also endure similar fates.

In truth, both Christians and Muslims face insecurity in parts of Northern Nigeria due to mass abductions.

The narrative could be shifting toward fairness, recognizing efforts made by the Nigerian military, government officials, and northern state governors in combatting these threats.

For every individual who has been kidnapped, numerous others have been safeguarded from similar fates, hinging on significant progress amidst ongoing challenges.

While it is heartbreaking that anyone is kidnapped or killed, it highlights a failing to achieve full security in what resembles a gruesome guerrilla war targeting civilians.

Yet, we must acknowledge improvements in preventing further tragedies and in recovering abducted persons.

Regrettably, the focus leans heavily towards failures rather than successes, which is unfair.

It is even more unjust and dangerous to perpetually frame issues in terms of religion.

I, too, once oversaw matters in this light but learned, after extensive investigation into the northern areas, that Muslims equally face significant threats.

This truth seems overlooked by much of the media and many Southern Nigerians, raising pertinent queries about whether Muslim lives are valued equally to those of Christians.

The criminals and terrorists behind these heinous acts regard all Nigerians as mere targets, not distinguishing between Christians and Muslims.

Their warfare is waged against the Nigerian state and people as a whole.

Taking this perspective allows us to comprehend and confront this dire challenge more effectively.

Allow me to extend a sincere message to Mr. Peter Obi, a notable figure in the Nigerian opposition.

Your post regarding the grievous events in Kajuru acknowledged but lacked genuine concern for the victims.

At such a time, we should be unified in prayer for the rescue of all abducted individuals, rallying support for our Government to secure their safe return.

Yet, you appear to deflect the matter with inquiries like, “What is happening in our nation?”—a query that overlooks your role and that of your divisive rhetoric in this situation.

You feign concern, highlighting only the negativity and neglecting to acknowledge the positive strides made when operations succeed.

Have you ever taken the time to commend the noble efforts of our military and security agencies or recognized the lives they protect daily?

Have you considered their sacrifices at the frontlines, ensuring safety while preventing violence?

Have you expressed gratitude or solidarity towards them? I am skeptical.

Our principal challenge stems from representatives like you who seem to thrive on chaos, lawlessness, and division, justifying such acts to discredit the Government for self-advantage.

In essence, you seek to capitalize on the tragedies of our citizens.

Mr. Dennis Amachree, a former DSS Assistant Director, noted, “Most mass abductors operate to undermine the current Government, revealing the complicity of certain actors before the harm is done.”

Your sole focus appears to lie in the destruction of our institutions, aiming to fracture our unity and promote discord, which will never transpire.

Regardless of the trials we face, I believe that unity and respect can guide us towards overcoming any obstacles.

Additionally, I want to highlight your tacit acceptance of violence against both Christians and Muslims across various regions.

When such incidents occur, your silence endorses it.

Yet, when Christians are harmed, you amplify the outrage, pivoting on it as “Christian persecution,” rallying support from extremist factions abroad.

This selective focus fosters division and eschews the graves and suffering inflicted indiscriminately on all, regardless of faith.

Your actions and words show a concerning detachment from the plight of many Nigerians, raising critical queries about your commitment to their safety.

What do you hope to gain from your divisive rhetoric?

Why are you so intent on destabilizing our nation?

Do you seek power over a crumbling Nigeria, reveling in its demise?

Such ambitions have devastating precedents, as seen on January 15, 1966, leading to the high cost of political upheaval.

Let us pray this history does not repeat itself.

Power does not require tearing Nigeria asunder; a divine order grants leadership when warranted.

In due time, when it suits God's plan, leaders will emerge from the Southeast if they deserve it—none of whom bear your divisive motives.

Many capable individuals from your region cherish unity—seeing all Nigerians as one—who embody the spirit of inclusivity necessary for governance.

They understand that power in a democracy is achieved through peace and cooperation rather than through turmoil and deceit.

These traits are essential for leading such a diverse nation, and I believe you lack the capacity to embody them.

These are my words for you, Peter. I hope they resonate.

To conclude, Peter Obi's belief in his entitlement to the Presidency mirrors a misguided conviction similar to that of Satan over Moses' body. Just as the Archangel Michael proclaimed, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan,” so too do I say, “The Lord rebuke you, Peter,” and you must flee.

Your entitlement to lead our great nation is unfounded; only God has the authority to designate leaders.

This raises a crucial question posed by my friend Ambassador-designate Reno Omokri: “How can someone like Peter Obi, known to disrupt four political parties in Nigeria, aspire to the Presidency?”

It begs attention: how can someone who neglects to denounce violence and marginalization expect to lead all Nigerians?

Such prospects remain unsettling and absurd.

To serve as President, one must genuinely respect all citizens, responding to the plight of all rather than selectively condemning violence.

Being selective breeds division, which is ultimately destructive. We yearn for unity and leadership that fosters togetherness.

We have traversed this path before, and by divine grace, we shall never return.

Regardless of who emerges as the adversarial candidate for 2027, it is evident that the ruling APC retains control of nearly all states.

Only divine intervention can thwart the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

All efforts on the part of rivals, including their foreign allies, cannot unsettle this resolve.

I encourage them to set their sights on 2031; there is no vacancy for now.

I implore them to abandon their divisive tactics or risk facing long-term consequences.

May God safeguard and uphold the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

_(Chief Femi Fani-Kayode is the Sadaukin Shinkafi, the Wakilin Doka Potiskum, Otunba of Joga Orile, Aare Ajagunla of Otun Ekiti, former Culture and Tourism Minister, former Aviation Minister, former Senior Special Assistant to President Olusegun Obasanjo, Legal Practitioner, and Ambassador- Designate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria)_