In a stark indictment of Nigeria's deteriorating security landscape, Dr. Donald Duke, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), emphasized that bandits are now effectively taxing citizens in regions where government authority has waned. Speaking in Abuja, Duke highlighted how the state’s inability to provide security has emboldened criminal elements, effectively rendering them de facto rulers in some areas.
“Parts of Nigeria are under the control of criminals, and the government’s excuses are no longer acceptable,” Duke stated, calling for urgent reforms and a reassessment of security strategies. His remarks come amid increasing reports of tax-like levies imposed by bandits, raising concerns about governance and public safety. The government’s ongoing struggle to address these challenges has left many citizens feeling abandoned, further eroding trust in state institutions.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, issues of security and governance are likely to dominate political discourse. Candidates must confront these realities head-on, offering tangible solutions rather than mere platitudes, if they hope to regain the confidence of the electorate and restore order in a nation fraught with insecurity.
