The National Forum of Former Legislators has strongly rejected the call for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign following the abduction of schoolchildren in Kebbi State and the fatal attack on worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.
In a statement released by the Forum’s National Coordinator, Raphael Nnanna Igbokwe, the group distanced itself from individuals claiming to be “Ex-Legislators,” describing their call for the President’s resignation as reckless, undemocratic, and an unnecessary distraction during a sensitive national moment.
According to the Forum, such inflammatory comments do not represent the views of responsible former lawmakers who remain committed to Nigeria’s unity, peace, and constitutional order.
“As patriotic Nigerians and former representatives of the people, we reject every premature, divisive, and destabilizing comment that attempts to politicize national tragedies,” the statement noted. “This is a time for solidarity, not political opportunism.”
While condemning the tragic incidents in Kebbi and Kwara, the Forum commended President Tinubu for what it termed a prompt, compassionate, and responsible response to the security challenges. It highlighted his decision to postpone scheduled trips to the G20 and AU–EU Summits in order to receive critical security briefings and coordinate the national response.
The Forum also welcomed the President’s directive for immediate deployment of additional military and police personnel to Eruku and surrounding areas, as well as his order for security agencies to exhaust all available resources to rescue the 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State.
Tinubu’s requirement for timely and coordinated updates from the Vice President, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services was described as evidence of a hands-on and committed leadership style.
Expressing sympathy to victims and their families, the former lawmakers called on security agencies to maintain professionalism and urgency until the abducted students are safely returned and the perpetrators apprehended.
Reiterating its support for President Tinubu, the Forum encouraged political leaders, community stakeholders, civil society, and all security institutions to work collaboratively to strengthen national stability and support affected communities.
President Tinubu, in a message shared Wednesday on X, expressed deep sorrow over the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba and other soldiers in Borno, as well as the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi.
“As Commander-in-Chief, I am deeply depressed by the tragic loss of our soldiers and officers,” he said. “May God comfort the families of Brigadier General Musa Uba and our other fallen heroes. The families of the kidnapped schoolgirls remain in my prayers.”
