Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, has urged the Nigerian government to end what he described as the appeasement of criminals, warning that the country has “lost its moral compass” and must urgently return to a path of civic and ethical responsibility.
Abaribe made the remarks while chairing the 5th Frontier Discourse Annual Public Lecture and Awards on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the Nigerian National Merit House in Maitama, Abuja.
He expressed concern over a growing trend of rewarding wrongdoers, citing the recent practice of granting amnesty to armed bandits who abduct children. According to him, such measures signal a dangerous collapse of moral standards.
“We are in a state where bandits who kidnap children are rewarded with amnesty, which shows we have lost whatever morality we once had,” he said.
The senator also condemned the reintegration of individuals responsible for killing soldiers in ambushes, noting that they often face no meaningful consequences.
“You do not reward those who live on ransom and blood,” he said. “When you do, you embolden them. A government that chooses appeasement over justice signs a death warrant for its citizens. Those you appease will see you as weak and continue to perpetrate evil.”
Turning to Nigeria’s political culture, Abaribe criticized recurring ego clashes among leaders, which he said often derail governance. “No more blame games,” he urged. “Buckle up and do what you were elected to do.”
The event also featured awards recognizing outstanding individuals and institutions. Honorees included:
Good Governance (Governor of the Year): H.E. Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah
Public Sector Person of the Year: Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu
Humanitarian Service Award: Mary Dinah Foundation
Media Person of the Year (TV): Aaron Atsahyel
Media Person of the Year (Radio): Maryann Okon
Brand of the Year: Centre for Memories
Promising Entertainer (Music): Ugochukwu Uneabunso (Une 50)
Business Person of the Year: Chief Chukwudi Nnaji
Frontier Person Award: Prof. Udenta O. Udenta, Dr. Ahmad Sajoh
Literary Icon Award: Abuja Literary Society
Tech Person of the Year: Gbenga Sesan
Sports Icon of the Year: Barr. Amobi Ezeaku
Lifetime Achievement Award: H.E. Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo
Other highlights were a saxophone performance and live musical entertainment.