President Bola Tinubu has once again declared that his administration is on the verge of defeating terrorism and banditry in Nigeria. Meeting with Ogbia community leaders from Bayelsa State at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu assured the nation that security forces are ramping up efforts to restore peace,despite ongoing violence and insecurity in several regions.

During the high-profile meeting, Tinubu acknowledged the “complex” security situation, especially in the North-West, North-East, and North-Central, where kidnappings and attacks remain rampant. Still, the President insisted that the government is making headway, touting military operations and the “neutralization” of criminals, though details remain vague.

“We are prosecuting them. We are arresting them. We are neutralising some of them,” Tinubu said, downplaying the persistent violence and focusing on the government’s supposed successes. He expressed unwavering faith in the armed forces, promising, “we will win”,a familiar refrain that has yet to translate into real change for many Nigerians.

Shifting gears, Tinubu turned to the Niger Delta, promising that his administration would not abandon the region’s development. He praised the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and its Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for their work, despite longstanding complaints about neglect and underdevelopment in the oil-rich area. Tinubu blamed previous governments for the region’s woes but claimed his team is now on the right track.

“We won’t let you down,” Tinubu declared, vowing progress and “constructive engagement” with the community. He pointed to projects like solar-powered street lighting as evidence of improvement, though critics say such efforts barely scratch the surface of the region’s deep-rooted problems.

The President also took the opportunity to praise former President Goodluck Jonathan, an Ogbia native, calling him a “good leader and citizen.” Tinubu promised to continue honoring Jonathan, a move seen by some as a calculated attempt to win political favor in the region.

Responding to requests from the Ogbia delegation, Tinubu made more promises,this time on ecological issues and infrastructure, including a new bridge. “We’ll see to that,” he said, offering little in the way of specifics or timelines.

Tinubu also called for legislative cooperation, claiming that the economy has “turned the corner for good” under his leadership. He credited Dr. Ogbuku for helping ensure that ordinary Nigerians benefit from the supposed economic recovery, though many citizens say they have yet to feel any positive impact.

In a clear display of political theater, Ogbia leaders pledged their support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, thanking him for appointing their son, Dr. Ogbuku, as NDDC boss. “We are renewing your mandate… come 2027, we are with you,” said Robert Enogha, speaking for the group.

Enogha also invited Tinubu to the community for a traditional “initiation,” describing it as a unifying event. The gesture was widely seen as a symbolic endorsement of the President, further cementing the political alliance between the administration and the Ogbia elite.

Ultimately, the meeting was heavy on promises and political posturing, with Tinubu’s administration eager to showcase its commitment to security and development. Whether these pledges will translate into real change for ordinary Nigerians remains to be seen.