Senator representing Bayelsa West, Henry Seriake Dickson, has called on President Bola Tinubu to collaborate with United States (US) President Donald Trump and other global allies to tackle terrorism in Nigeria.
In a statement titled "My Stance on President Trump’s Statement on Alleged Genocide," Dickson described the situation as a full-blown national crisis that threatens the country’s sovereignty.
While Nigeria’s sovereignty must be respected, the Senator maintained, it was time for the government to seek international assistance to end the activities of terrorist groups who have, for nearly 15 years, unleashed bloodshed across the country.
"If the Nigerian government is unable to address this issue effectively, then it must collaborate with those who can help us flush out these terrorists," Dickson said.
He noted that jihadist groups such as Boko Haram, Islamic State–West Africa Province (ISWAP), Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS), and their local affiliates had introduced suicide bombing to Nigeria, beginning in Borno State before spreading across the North-East and beyond.
According to him, these groups have attacked churches, mosques, schools, palaces, and entire communities, killing or displacing thousands of Nigerians irrespective of religion or ethnicity.
Citing the abductions of the Chibok and Dapchi schoolgirls and the still-missing Leah Sharibu, Dickson lamented that the country had failed to account for many victims.
He said that in parts of Borno, Zamfara, and Katsina, terrorists continue to control territories, impose taxes, and govern outside the Nigerian Constitution, an affront to national sovereignty.
The Former Bayelsa State Governor also accused past administrations of failing to decisively confront terrorism, saying the Buhari government’s security appointments and inaction fuelled public distrust and allegations of state complicity, as earlier warned by retired Gen T.Y Danjuma.
"As Nigerians, we must be honest with ourselves that the killings have gone on for too long and government and security forces have been overwhelmed. We need help! No nation can confront terrorism in isolation," he said.
According to him, the National Assembly had made several recommendations, including a proposed National Security Summit and plans to send a non-partisan delegation to Washington D.C for talks on strengthening counterterrorism cooperation.
He further urged the Tinubu administration to revive Nigeria’s diplomatic network by urgently appointing ambassadors, noting that many posts had been vacant for more than two years.
"Our country must maximise its diplomatic resources and options. We cannot continue to face this menace alone," Dickson added.
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