Joel Ajayi
Two major Christian youth organizations — the National Christian Youth Initiative (NCYI) and the National TEKAN Youth Fellowship — have jointly urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to take urgent and decisive action against Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, including the replacement of the National Security Adviser (NSA) over what they described as “ineffective coordination and failure to meet national expectations.”
The groups made their position known in an open letter titled “A Call to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on Immediate Action and Response to the Security Situation in Nigeria and the Need for the Replacement of the National Security Adviser.” The statement was jointly signed by Eld. Hon. Bako Adashu Elijah, National Coordinator of NCYI, and Bro. Sunday Aimu, National President of the TEKAN Youth Fellowship.
Expressing deep concern over the rise in terrorism, banditry, and communal violence across several states, the youth groups commended President Tinubu for his strides in economic reform and institutional strengthening, but warned that the continued deterioration of security was eroding public trust and national unity.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which identifies the “security and welfare of the people” as the government’s primary responsibility, the groups urged the President to “rebuild public confidence through strategic and courageous reforms.”
“The bitter truth is that the current wave of insecurity reveals deep systemic weaknesses in our national security framework.
“While many officers serve with patriotism, others have been compromised, undermining national cohesion and public trust.”
The youth leaders also condemned what they described as alleged complicity of certain government and religious figures with terrorist networks, calling on the Federal Government to publish and prosecute sponsors of insecurity nationwide.
They further raised alarm over the rise in hate preaching and religious incitement, urging tighter regulation of inflammatory sermons capable of destabilizing the country.
“Religion should unite, not divide our people,” they emphasized. “Clerics and traditional figures who exploit faith platforms to incite violence must be held accountable.”
Among their key recommendations were: Immediate replacement of the National Security Adviser (NSA) with a competent, nonpartisan, and nationally trusted professional. More inclusive governance, ensuring fair representation across all religious and regional lines as well as Balanced future political arrangements, respecting Nigeria’s secular and diverse character to prevent national division.
The organizations also clarified reports regarding the Christian Youth Leaders Summit held on November 10, 2025, emphasizing that the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s address was “compassionate and motherly,” but lamented what they described as media misrepresentation of their resolutions.
Concluding their appeal, the youth groups urged the President to demonstrate decisive leadership at a time when Nigerians are “yearning for safety, justice, and renewed trust in governance.”
“Mr. President, the time for decisive leadership is now,” the statement declared. “Speaking the truth is our patriotic duty to strengthen Nigeria.”
