Col Umar writes President Tinubu, urges more action on war against insecurity, poverty

Former military officer and pro-democracy advocate, Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (Rtd), has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intensify efforts in the fight against insecurity and poverty, saying the ideals of the June 12 struggle can only be fulfilled through improved security, stronger democratic institutions, and better living conditions for Nigerians.

In an open letter to the President following the June 12 Democracy Day celebrations, Umar commended Tinubu for recognizing military officers and civilians who played significant roles in resisting the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

“I wish to offer my profound appreciation for your public recognition of the services rendered by some officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces whose names were read out during your Democracy Day Address,” Umar wrote.

He described June 12 as “a watershed moment in our march to democracy,” adding that the annual commemoration remains richly deserved.

However, the retired colonel said democracy must deliver more than periodic elections, stressing that security remains the foremost responsibility of government.

Referring to President Tinubu’s acknowledgment that Nigeria’s democracy is still a work in progress, particularly in the area of security, Umar said many Nigerians were uncertain how to interpret the remark.

“In the course of your address, Mr President, you acknowledged that the democracy we have today is still a work-in-progress, particularly as it relates to providing security for our citizens. Many people do not know what to make of this statement: were you displaying some humility or despairing of the task?” he asked.

Umar argued that the military officers who stood against the annulment of the June 12 election regarded the protection of citizens as a basic obligation of any government.

“What those officers envisaged when they put their lives on the line back in 1993 were ambitious. In fact, they took the security of our citizens as given; a raison d’etre, a minimum condition for the existence of any government, democracy or not,” he said.