By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
A former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Chief Ndueso Easien has called on the Federal Government to address socio-economic conditions that fuel terrorism to control the recent surge in killings and kidnapping in some parts of the country.
He has also said that the politicisation of security has continued to pose greater danger to the country than the perpetuators themselves with the appointment of inexperienced hands into strategic military positions rendering the country’s security strategy vulnerable.
In a statement in Uyo yesterday, Essien expressed sadness that at a time when Nigeria is grappling with a crisis of uncontrolled population growth, especially in rural communities, men are encouraged to marry multiple wives and have unregulated numbers of children.
“Millions of underaged children roam the streets without education, guidance, or hope. Their parents cannot provide for them, and the government either lacks the will or the capacity to intervene. These children become easy recruits for banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.” He explained.
Any long-term solution according to him must include policies that restore dignity and opportunity to vulnerable groups.
He further stated that corruption remained another cancer eating at Nigeria’s core with resources meant for public welfare including security are routinely diverted.
“Reports of investigations are rarely published, and when they are, no action is taken. Nigeria is constantly short of funds because of massive leakages—despite oil sales, loans, subsidy removals, and other revenue sources. A government that cannot control corruption cannot secure its people.” Essien stated
The politicisation of security and the appointment of inexperienced hands the ex minister said if allowed to continue would make Nigeria risks lose public trust, experiencing economic collapse, fueling mass displacement, and sinking into deeper religious and ethnic conflict.
“Equally troubling are the appointments of defence ministers with little or no experience in security or defence operations. At a time when Nigeria is fighting highly adaptive terrorist networks, the defence sector must be led by individuals with strategic insight, operational competence, and deep knowledge of security matters.
“Defence is not a political reward; it is the backbone of national survival. Allegations that some officials harbour sympathies for terrorist groups or maintain questionable links with them only deepen public anxiety. A nation cannot defeat terror when elements of its security architecture may be compromised.
“No nation can survive these combined pressures. Propaganda, sycophancy, and political scheming must not be allowed to overshadow the urgent need for decisive action. Nigeria is too important to Africa and the world to be allowed to fail.” He said
He called on thought leaders, traditional rulers, religious figures, civil society organisations, the media, and all patriotic citizens to rise above partisanship and help restore order.
“This support should be constructive, demanding competence and transparency while ensuring that government upholds its constitutional duty to protect lives and property. The government cannot solve this crisis alone; the nation must unite.
Furthermore, the administration must end the systematic suppression of opposition figures through intimidation, infiltration, and coercion. These tactics amount to political terrorism and undermine democracy.
“It is ironic that many current leaders who today restrict protests once freely organised demonstrations under far less threatening security conditions. The same freedoms that paved their path to power must not be denied to others today. A democracy that silences dissent stands on the brink of dictatorship.
“Niigeria stands at a critical crossroads. Our future depends on the choices we make now. The President must provide decisive and visionary leadership. The National Security Adviser and Defence Ministers must prove their capacity or resign. Service chiefs must deliver results or make way for those who can secure Nigeria.
“The administration cannot continue as it is. Failure to act will haunt the nation for generations. Yet with political will, unity, and purpose, Nigeria can overcome this dark moment.” He concluded.
