Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has urged Nigerians to stay united and back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the security forces as the country tackles terrorism and other attacks.
In a Sunday statement reacting to recent incidents, the governor called the attacks “unfortunate but not insurmountable,” and warned that Nigerians must not let criminals weaken their resolve or faith in the nation.
“We are Nigerians. Our will is strong and our spirit is unbreakable.
“This is the time we must stand united as one people behind our nation’s leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and all of our armed forces,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that terrorists do not spare anyone for political, ethnic or religious reasons and that support for security must rise above partisan lines.
“The forces of evil confronting our nation do not ask for our political affiliation before they kill, maim and destroy.
“So must our resolve and support for our nation be devoid of political leanings and divisive rhetorics,” he said.
He offered sympathy to victims and called for prayers for affected communities and for teachers and students abducted in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
“Every life lost is a tragedy. Every community threatened by violence deserves our solidarity, support and protection.
“We must continue to keep the victims of these unfortunate incidents in our thoughts and prayers,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu reminded Nigerians of past national resilience and urged active cooperation with security agencies through intelligence sharing.
“Our country has faced many challenges throughout its history. Yet, through resilience, courage and unity of purpose, we have always emerged stronger. This moment will be no different,” he said.
“As citizens, we all have a stake in the security and stability of our country.
“Government alone cannot win this battle without the support, cooperation, vigilance and active intelligence sharing by local communities,” he said.
He reaffirmed confidence in Tinubu and security services and praised the armed forces.
“I wish to reiterate my confidence in the leadership of President Tinubu and in the ability of our security and intelligence services to defeat the forces of evil unleashing terror attacks on soft targets within the civilian population,” he said.
“As Governor of Lagos State, I am convinced that our best days remain ahead of us.
“The challenges before us today must not define us. What should define us is how we respond with courage instead of fear, with unity instead of division and with hope instead of despair,” he said.
“This battle shall be won. Nigeria will prevail because the collective strength of our people is greater than the evil agenda of the few who are bent on making us live in fear and despair,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said.
(NAN)
