Ex-Minister Urges Tinubu to Expose Terrorism Financiers, Warns Against Politicising Defence Appointments

Former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Nduese Essien, has urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action against individuals funding or enabling terrorism in Nigeria, regardless of their influence or social class.

In a statement released in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Essien criticised what he described as questionable appointments into the nation’s defence leadership, arguing that some defence ministers lack the necessary security expertise to confront Nigeria’s escalating terrorism challenges.

“Defence is not a political reward” — Essien

According to the former minister, Nigeria’s fight against increasingly sophisticated terrorist networks requires leaders with deep knowledge of security strategy—not individuals appointed for political compensation.

He warned that allegations suggesting some officials may have sympathies or links to terror groups only worsen public fear and undermine national security efforts.

Calls for stronger intelligence and community-based security

Essien stressed the need for a well-coordinated national security strategy that prioritises intelligence gathering, strengthens community security structures, and ensures that the armed forces are properly resourced and led by competent professionals.

He insisted that anyone supporting or protecting terrorist elements must be exposed and prosecuted.

A nation under siege

Citing several recent incidents across the country, Essien lamented that kidnappings, killings, and coordinated attacks have become part of daily life for many Nigerians.

He highlighted troubling cases such as:

• The abduction and killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba and three soldiers in Borno

• The kidnapping of over 64 residents in Zamfara

• The abduction of 25 female students and school officials in Kebbi

• The attack on Christians in Kwara that left three dead and 38 kidnapped

• Multiple killings in Yobe, Gwoza, and Sokoto

• The abduction of more than 300 students from a Catholic school in Niger State

Essien warned that Nigeria is “dangerously close to normalising terror,” noting that families are now afraid to send children to school, farmers have abandoned farmlands, and worship centres no longer feel safe.

He called on the federal government to treat the ongoing crisis as a national emergency and to take swift, transparent actions to restore public confidence.