Senator representing Bauchi Central, Abdul Ningi, has faulted Nigerians over their failure to demand accountability from leaders and challenge them to stop killings and kidnappings across the country. 

In a Channels TV interview on Thursday, Mr Ningi said, “Nigeria is not helpless. We still have those with ideas. The problem is that people have not come to realise that they push the government to do what they want. People lament, then go back and watch. People must challenge and talk to our faces that we’re not doing the right thing.”

Mr Ningi’s statement came amid escalating killings, especially in Borno, Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kwara and Kano.

He stated, “I look at politics as part and parcel of what is aiding this thing because a lot of us, myself included, have contracted our time in politicking rather than providing the much-needed security for our people.

“It is a failure of leadership. I am also included, and there is no regret in saying I am also involved. It is a complete failure of leadership. We must take responsibility that we haven’t been there for the people. We must admit that to show that we’re set to make a serious change.”

The lawmaker stressed the need for more effective strategies to ensure the safety of lives and property across the country.

“When the matter is discussed in the National Assembly, we lament and task the security agencies. And I say, why don’t we look at another option and devise something new? There would be more problems if we don’t look backwards and forward and come up with clear solutions,” he explained.