By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja

Two civil society and youth groups on Thursday used Nigeria’s 27th Democracy Day celebration to express confidence in the nation’s security chiefs and caution against the politicisation of insecurity, urging citizens to unite behind efforts to restore peace and stability across the country.

Speaking at a Democracy Day rally in Abuja, the Convener of Nigeria Citizens Watch for Good Governance, Collins Eshiofeh, said security should not be turned into a partisan issue, stressing that the nation’s armed forces and security agencies deserve the support of all Nigerians.

Eshiofeh noted that Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule had been sustained through the resilience of state institutions and the sacrifices of military and security personnel.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as consistent support for the armed forces under the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying the administration had continued to equip and empower security agencies in the fight against insecurity.

The group also praised the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Ajayi, for their roles in safeguarding the country.

“We pass a firm and emphatic vote of confidence on our service chiefs. These are not mere officeholders; they are patriots, guardians and heroes of our democracy,” Eshiofeh said.

He warned against attempts to exploit the nation’s security challenges for political gain, arguing that such actions undermine the sacrifices of security personnel who have paid the ultimate price in defence of the country.

According to him, Nigerians must reject divisive narratives and rally behind the nation’s security architecture to achieve lasting peace.

Similarly, the Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA) declared its support for the country’s security leadership, describing national security as a collective responsibility that transcends political, ethnic and regional considerations.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the Deputy Speaker, North Central, Mohammed Saad Aboki, said the Assembly was proud of the contributions of the military and security agencies to Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Aboki commended President Tinubu for providing the backing required for security agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities, noting that a secure nation remains fundamental to economic growth and national development.

He also lauded the efforts of the Minister of Defence, the National Security Adviser and other heads of security agencies for their commitment to tackling security threats across the country.
“The Arewa Youth Assembly passes a full and unconditional vote of confidence in all our service chiefs and security heads. These are men of honour, sacrifice and unbroken commitment to the Nigerian project,” he said.

The group urged Nigerians to set aside differences and support ongoing efforts to combat insecurity, insisting that security challenges affect every part of the country and require a united national response.

Aboki stressed that insecurity should not be viewed as a regional problem but as a collective challenge demanding collaboration between citizens and security agencies.

Both groups called on Nigerians to strengthen national unity and support the country’s security institutions, expressing optimism that sustained cooperation would help overcome the security challenges confronting the nation.