Lai Mohammed, minister of information, says the call for President Muhammadu Buhari resignation is nothing but “distraction and politicking”.
There has been upsurge in killings, kidnappings and other criminal activities by bandits and terrorists in recent months.
The development has led to renewed calls for the president to resign.
On Wednesday, the Northern Elders’ Forum said life has lost value under Buhari, demanding that the president should resign.
But speaking during a meeting in Lagos on Thursday, Mohammed said those demanding for Buhari resignation are playing politics with the issue of security.
Mohammed said no amount of strident call for the president to step down will stop him from serving out his term.
“In the wake of the killing, there have been calls in some quarters for Mr President to resign,” he said.
“Calling on the President to resign every time there is a setback in the war on terror is a needless distraction and cheap politicking. Let us stop playing politics with the issue of security.
“Well, let me say here that this call amounts to playing dirty politics with the issue of security, and it is cheap and irresponsible
“Mr. President was elected in 2015 for a four-year term and re-elected in 2019 for another four-year term. No amount of hysterical calls for resignation will prevent him from serving out his term.”
Mohammed said before the president assumed office, Boko Haram walked into cities, especially in the north, and carry out deadly attacks unhindered.
He said Abuja, the nation’s capital, Kano, Maiduguri in Borno and Damaturu, Yobe capital, were prone to attacks while motor parks, churches, mosques, shopping complexes were not spared.
“For instance, 9-11 happened despite the prowess of the most powerful army in the world,” he said.
“Boko Haram’s only oxygen today is publicity. That’s why they have rushed to release a video claiming responsibility for the killing of the farmers.
“Please note that that video was shared to instill fear in the civil populace and maintain relevance in the eyes of their sponsors.”
