By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
Retired Military Governor and elder statesman, Gen. Lawrence Onoja (Rtd), has called on Nigerians to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s administration and security agencies in the fight against rising insecurity and ongoing economic hardship.
In a statement made available to our correspondent in Makurdi, Gen. Onoja, a former Chief of Staff at the State House and one-time General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Armoured Division, Jos, emphasised the importance of national unity and collective action in tackling the country’s pressing challenges.
Acknowledging the biting economic realities across the nation, the retired general urged citizens to remain patient and supportive of Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the Naira.
He described these measures as painful but necessary steps toward building a resilient and productive economy, insisting that the hardship being experienced is a temporary phase.
“I commend President Tinubu for his bold political will and reforms aimed at laying a sustainable foundation for the country’s economy,” Onoja stated, adding that long-term gains would outweigh the current discomfort.
On the issue of security, Gen. Onoja stressed that securing the nation is a shared responsibility, calling on Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities.
He lauded the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sacrifices, particularly in the face of recent attacks by non-state actors.
He also expressed sympathy with the military and families of the 17 soldiers killed recently in action against bandits in Kwana Dutse, Niger State, and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
“The global nature of insecurity demands a dynamic response, and our Armed Forces are doing their best. Citizens must support them by providing timely and actionable information,” he said.
Beyond security and the economy, Gen. Onoja appealed to Nigerians to focus on issues that promote unity, describing the country’s ethnic and religious diversity as a source of strength and opportunity.
Gen. Onoja currently serves as Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa State, and lectures part-time at the University of Abuja’s Leadership Centre, where he teaches courses on Civil-Military Relations and Military Studies.
