Rev. Samson Ayokunle

Rev. Samson Ayokunle Condemns Government’s Neglect of National Security

Rev. Samson Ayokunle, former head of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has openly criticized the current administration under President Bola Tinubu for neglecting the urgent security challenges facing Nigerians. He asserts that the government’s primary focus appears to be the 2027 general elections rather than addressing the escalating violence and insecurity plaguing the nation.

Allegations of Government Apathy Amid Rising Violence

Describing the leadership as “directionless and shameless,” Ayokunle highlighted the daily loss of lives across Nigeria, accusing those in power of turning a blind eye to the crisis. He specifically pointed to the Middle Belt region, where Christian communities have suffered repeated attacks, forced displacement, and land seizures by armed groups.

In an interview with The Punch, Ayokunle condemned what he termed the government’s “deliberate inaction” regarding the persistent violence in Plateau, Benue, and Southern Kaduna states. He argued that the silence from authorities amounts to complicity in the ongoing bloodshed.

Focus on Future Elections Over Immediate Security Needs

“The administration seems obsessed with securing victory in the 2027 elections, neglecting the pressing security demands of 2025 and 2026,” Ayokunle remarked. He questioned the government’s apparent disregard for the safety of its citizens, emphasizing that political ambitions should never overshadow the protection of human lives.

Characterizing the Violence as Targeted Genocide

The former CAN president labeled the attacks in the Middle Belt as “intentional genocide,” challenging the government to refute this claim. He recounted the tragic killing of 21 individuals in Miango, Plateau State-many of whom were members of his congregation-while security forces reportedly failed to intervene despite being aware of the situation.

Rejecting Claims of Equal Victimhood Among Religious Groups

Ayokunle dismissed government narratives suggesting that Christians and Muslims suffer equally from the violence, calling such assertions a “convenient excuse” to mask official failures. He criticized the use of unsubstantiated statistics, noting that Nigeria has not conducted a national census in over four decades, which undermines the credibility of such claims.

Accusations of Political Exploitation of Violence

He accused successive administrations of “politicizing bloodshed” and shielding perpetrators behind the attacks. Ayokunle also expressed support for recent warnings reportedly issued by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who hinted at possible military intervention if the violence persists.

“This should serve as a wake-up call to our government, which appears oblivious to the international embarrassment caused by these atrocities,” he said. “With all the security agencies at their disposal, there is no valid excuse for inaction.”

Open to Foreign Intervention if It Brings Peace

When questioned about the prospect of external involvement, Ayokunle expressed willingness to accept foreign assistance if it would restore peace. “Nigerians deserve to live freely and safely in their homeland. It is unacceptable for leaders to remain inactive while citizens are killed daily,” he stated.

Highlighting Political Hypocrisy and Historical Context

Ayokunle also called out President Tinubu for what he described as double standards, recalling how Tinubu and other APC figures previously condemned former President Goodluck Jonathan over similar security failures. “Back in 2014, they demanded international intervention and labeled the violence as Christian persecution. Now, they claim both Christians and Muslims are equally affected. What has changed?” he questioned.

A Moral Appeal to Leadership

Warning that history will judge leaders harshly for valuing political power over human life, Ayokunle posed a poignant question: “Is personal ambition worth the blood of innocent people? This is the ethical dilemma confronting our leaders, and they will ultimately answer to a higher power.”

Call for Stronger Advocacy from CAN and Media

He urged the current CAN leadership to adopt a more assertive position on national security issues, emphasizing that silence in the face of violence is unacceptable. “If the National Executive Council of CAN believes the leadership is falling short, they must speak out. Journalists should also hold them accountable,” he added.

Impact of Weak Governance on Nigeria’s Global Image

Concluding his remarks, Ayokunle lamented the damage done to Nigeria’s international reputation due to ineffective leadership and endemic corruption. “Inept leaders breed a nation mired in disgrace,” he said, underscoring that the ongoing violence has transformed Nigeria into a source of global concern and embarrassment.