Urhobo leader warns against rhetoric that could undermine Nigeria’s security and unit
The Head of the Association of Urhobo Mayoral Family Crown (AUMFC), His Royal Highness Dr. Israel Agimor Eshanekpe, also known as Akpodoro, has cautioned public figures against making statements that could destabilize national security or inflame religious tensions.
In a statement issued Thursday from the Mayoral Palace in Ughelli, Delta State, Akpodoro addressed concerns over the reported arrival of American troops in Nigeria to support bilateral counter-terrorism efforts. He noted that former Niger Delta militant leader Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari and Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi had previously criticized U.S. military involvement, raising public anxiety about national security.
“Statements that appear to discourage international cooperation against terrorism risk being misinterpreted and could undermine national efforts to restore peace. Nigerians deserve security, stability and progress,” Akpodoro said. He urged public figures to exercise restraint and called on security agencies to ensure commentary does not embolden criminal elements.
Akpodoro also emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration between the Federal Government and international partners to combat insecurity, stressing that protecting lives and property is a core responsibility of government.
In addition, the Urhobo leader criticized recent remarks reportedly made by Sheikh Bashir Umar, President of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), who opposed the appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan, a Christian, as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Akpodoro described the comments as divisive and underscored Nigeria’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious character.
“The office of the INEC Chairman is not the exclusive preserve of any religion or region,” he said, adding that appointments are made constitutionally at the President’s discretion. He warned that statements capable of stoking religious tension should be avoided and called on the Office of the National Security Adviser to caution groups or individuals whose remarks could threaten national unity.
Akpodoro concluded by stressing that Nigeria remains a secular state, with all citizens qualified to aspire to public office regardless of religion, and cautioned against rhetoric that could overheat the polity or undermine democracy.
