“The Average Nigerian Living in Poverty Does Not Believe That You Are Not the Enemy” - Clarion Chukwurah Writes Open Letter to Tinubu

Veteran Nollywood actress Clarion Chukwurah has shared an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commending his administration’s move to facilitate the creation of State Police while calling for urgent action to address poverty and insecurity across the country.

In the lengthy message posted on social media, the actress praised the President’s efforts to strengthen security, expressing optimism that State Police could help curb the rising wave of kidnappings and violent crimes, particularly in rural communities. According to Clarion, empowering states to establish their own police forces would enable quicker responses to security threats and improve the protection of lives and property.

However, she stressed that insecurity cannot be tackled through policing alone, arguing that widespread poverty and unemployment remain major drivers of crime in Nigeria.

“Sir, the average Nigerian living in poverty does not believe that you are not the enemy, or understand that there are challenges your government has to face.”

The actress appealed to the President to ensure that the fight against insecurity is accompanied by meaningful economic reforms capable of improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians. She also urged the Federal Government to channel part of the National Security Emergency Intervention Fund towards supporting community self-defence groups and vigilantes, especially in remote areas where security agencies are often overstretched.

She further called for job creation initiatives to reduce unemployment among young Nigerians, noting that economic empowerment is a critical part of addressing the country’s security challenges. Concluding her letter, the actress appealed to President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to continue working towards a safer and more compassionate Nigeria.

Her message has since sparked conversations online, with many Nigerians echoing her call for the government to address poverty alongside security reforms as part of a long-term solution to the nation’s challenges.