SENATE President Godswill Akpabio has expressed optimism that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity will subside shortly after the forthcoming elections, attributing the current surge in violence to political maneuvering by opposition elements.
News Point Nigeria reports that Akpabio made this assertion on Tuesday in Abuja during the official commissioning of the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS) Corporate Headquarters, where he suggested that rising insecurity is being deliberately fueled by individuals unsettled by the political landscape ahead of the polls.
Speaking at the event attended by top government officials, the Senate President defended the administration of Bola Tinubu, stating that the President’s performance has left critics with limited options other than allegedly sponsoring unrest across the country.
According to him, the spike in insecurity is directly tied to the election cycle, insisting that the situation would improve almost immediately after the exercise.
He said insecurity is increasing because elections are approaching and “people don’t know what to do again,” adding that within two weeks after the elections, the security challenges would subside significantly.
Akpabio further alleged that the insecurity is not coincidental but orchestrated, claiming it is being sponsored by unnamed actors seeking to destabilize the government.
Taking a swipe at the opposition, the Senate President described it as fragmented and disorganized. In an apparent reference to Peter Obi, he criticized what he portrayed as inconsistency, noting that a candidate who secured millions of votes had abandoned his political base to seek another platform, while still blaming the ruling party for internal setbacks.
Despite the criticisms, Akpabio urged Nigerians to remain patient with the current administration, emphasizing that the government is on the right path.
He appealed for continued public support, assuring citizens that ongoing reforms would yield positive outcomes.
He also commended the leadership of the Nigerian Revenue Service under Zacch Adedeji, describing him as a tax administrator who has earned the goodwill of Nigerians.
Drawing a biblical comparison, Akpabio remarked that tax collectors are often unpopular, but Adedeji has managed to gain public acceptance through his performance.
The event, which marked the unveiling of the new NRS headquarters, attracted several high-ranking officials, including Vice President-level leaders and key figures in the legislature.
Among those present were Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Also in attendance were Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, members of the Federal Executive Council, and several state governors.
Notable governors present included Babagana Zulum, Charles Soludo, Caleb Mutfwang, Hope Uzodimma, and Usman Ododo.
The newly commissioned NRS complex, described as a world-class facility, consists of three towers rising up to 16 floors and is designed to accommodate approximately 3,000 personnel. The structure represents a major milestone in the federal government’s efforts to modernize revenue administration infrastructure.
The development follows the signing of the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act by President Tinubu in June 2025, a move that officially transitioned the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) into the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS), signaling a new phase in the country’s tax administration framework.