Olubadan’s Praise of Tinubu’s Response to Oyo Abduction, Swift Prosecution of Suspects Reflects Renewed Support for War Against Terrorism — TMSG

Olubadan’s Praise of Tinubu’s Response to Oyo Abduction, Swift Prosecution of Suspects Reflects Renewed Support for War Against Terrorism — TMSG

The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has described the recent commendation by the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, of President Bola Tinubu’s response to the Oyo abduction saga and the swift prosecution of the suspects as a reflection of renewed public confidence in the administration’s counter-terrorism efforts.

The group said the development demonstrated the administration’s growing focus on actionable intelligence, effective inter-agency coordination and decisive leadership in the fight against terrorism and other forms of insecurity.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, TMSG said President Tinubu’s decisive leadership was evident in the successful rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and their teachers.

The group said: “We note that Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who led Oyo State traditional rulers on a courtesy and thank-you visit to the President, commended him for refusing to yield to the terrorists’ demand for the release of their detained leaders in exchange for the schoolchildren and their teachers.

“We specifically acknowledge the Olubadan’s observation that improved inter-agency coordination is becoming a turning point in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria under President Tinubu.

“For us, Oba Ladoja’s remarks are indicative of the growing positive sentiments among Nigerians, irrespective of region or religion, following the successful operation, with many calling for similar efforts to be replicated across the country.

“For once, and in a very long time, many Nigerians have openly expressed relief and renewed confidence through various media platforms that insecurity is being aggressively tackled and that the nation is steadily moving towards a safer future.”

TMSG also noted the speed and diligence with which suspected terrorists, including alleged Ansaru commanders, have been brought before the courts for prosecution.

The group said: “It is difficult for close observers, including critics of the administration, to deny the swiftness and diligence with which suspected terrorists and other criminal elements are being arraigned and prosecuted.

“In several instances, suspects have pleaded guilty, with the courts proceeding to deliver appropriate judgments in accordance with the law. The speed with which such cases are being processed represents a significant development in the administration of justice and the fight against terrorism.

“On this score, we invite the international community to take note of how the Bola Tinubu administration is confronting crime and criminality while upholding the rule of law, which remains supreme and sacrosanct.”

The group stressed the need for the administration to sustain and further strengthen its counter-terrorism strategy, particularly in light of what it described as the increasingly positive narrative surrounding Nigeria’s security efforts both locally and internationally.

“It will be recalled that only recently, a message of commendation came from US President Donald Trump, acknowledging what he described as President Tinubu’s effective and successful efforts in combating terrorism and making Nigeria more secure and safer, at a time when the President’s pursuit of peace and security in Nigeria and the West African sub-region was at a record high,” TMSG added.

The group said the commendation further underscored the importance of sustained international cooperation in the fight against terrorism and other transnational crimes.

“It also bears restating that President Trump’s letter was a significant validation of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to confronting insecurity since it assumed office in May 2023,” TMSG said.