The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Fred Agbedi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to either improve his handling of Nigeria’s challenges or step down from office.
Agbedi made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, June 17, while discussing insecurity, kidnappings, and governance in the country.
Why Agbedi Asked Tinubu to Resign
The Bayelsa lawmaker criticised the federal government’s response to the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, arguing that leadership requires visible action during national crises.
According to Agbedi:
“The duty and beauty of democracy is that if you are not able to give leadership to your nation, if your government fails, then both those in the minority and free citizens of the nation have a right to say you either perform or you quit.”
The opposition lawmaker stressed that elected leaders must be held accountable when insecurity persists.
Agbedi Compares Situation to Buhari Era
Recalling his time in the 8th National Assembly, Agbedi said he had similarly criticised former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration over insecurity.
He stated:
“In the eighth assembly in which I was a member, right on the floor of the House of Representatives, I rose and said President Muhammadu Buhari’s government had failed.”
He added:
“I went further to say that a Nigerian’s life is equal to one minute silence. That the life of a Nigerian equals one minute silence.”
Oyo School Abduction Raises Fresh Concerns
Agbedi questioned why President Tinubu did not visit Oyo State despite the ongoing crisis involving abducted schoolchildren and teachers.
He said:
“Are you ready to lead your people? Let me tell you, how many children are in captivity in Oyo State? The president was in Lagos. Did he go to Ibadan?”
The lawmaker argued that presidential presence in times of crisis can reassure affected communities and demonstrate commitment to resolving security challenges.
Watch his interview here.
