A prominent Nigerian coalition, the Big Tent, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of hypocrisy and a lack of strategic direction following recent U.S. military airstrikes against ISIS-linked terrorists in Sokoto State. The coalition, led by Professor Pat Utomi, highlighted inconsistencies in the government’s stance on foreign military intervention, particularly in light of past condemnations of opposition figure Peter Obi.
The U.S. airstrikes, conducted in collaboration with Nigerian forces, targeted suspected ISIS elements. However, official confirmation from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs only came nearly 24 hours after the operation, raising questions about transparency and communication protocols. This delay has fueled criticism from groups advocating for clearer government messaging on national security matters.
The Big Tent coalition specifically pointed to a recent incident where the Presidency, through Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, rebuked Peter Obi for suggesting he would welcome U.S. military assistance to bolster national security. At the time, Obi’s remarks were met with strong disapproval, with warnings that such statements would not be forgotten by Nigerians.
Charles Odibo, Director of Media and Communication for the Big Tent Coalition, stated that the Tinubu administration owes Peter Obi an “immediate and unreserved apology.” He argued that it is contradictory to condemn a citizen for expressing a conditional policy opinion, only for the government to later implement that exact policy in practice. This apparent policy reversal, Odibo suggested, reveals a government struggling with clarity, coordination, and credibility in its approach to national security issues.
Concerns were also raised regarding the fragmented and delayed official communication surrounding the airstrikes. While U.S. President Donald Trump had reportedly announced the operation, Nigerians were left waiting for official confirmation from their own government. Odibo questioned the rationale behind the Presidency’s silence if the nation was indeed engaged in “structured security cooperation” with the United States.
The coalition further criticized the inconsistent messaging from various government officials and what they perceive as the politicization of patriotic commentary. This lack of a unified and transparent approach, they argue, undermines public trust and the effective management of national security challenges.
In response to these perceived shortcomings, the Big Tent Coalition has urged President Tinubu to ensure a formal apology is issued to Peter Obi. They also called for greater discipline and coherence in government communications concerning national security. Furthermore, the coalition emphasized the need for the President to personally brief Nigerians on the country’s foreign security partnerships.
The organization stressed that Nigeria’s security is a matter of utmost seriousness, not to be undermined by propaganda, impulsive actions, or political posturing. They concluded by asserting that effective leadership requires consistency, humility, and an honest engagement with the Nigerian populace on critical national issues.
