Insecurity: Political leaders call for decentralised security system

Political leaders in Nigeria have called for the decentralisation of the security apparatus as a way of finding a lasting solution to the myriads of security challenges facing the country.

The dignitaries, including the Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Dr Kayode Fayemi, Ex-governor of Oyo State, Rashidi Ladoja and a former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, made the call while speaking at the annual Babatunde Oduyoye Birthday 7th Lecture series.

The event with the theme “Security and National Unity in Difficult Times” was held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.

Dr Fayemi explained that since insecurity had grown to an alarming level in the country, a multi-dimensional approach that involves the military, a decentralised policing system and some diplomatic efforts would help solve the problem, saying the resolve of the Southwest governors to create an internal security approach is an effort that would be pursued to a logical end in a bid to achieving state policing through constitutional change.

He stated: “The time for states and other layers of a multi-level policing police system is now. In fact, the creation of Amotekun can only be a precursor to this. We need a security system that is localised, knowledgeable about the culture and security situation of a particular community. But we need to amend the constitution to empower the various security initiatives to be able to respond to the current challenges.” 

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In the same vein, a former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, urged political leaders to proffer solutions that would lead the country beyond its troubles instead of shifting the blame on one another.

The former lawmaker, who also co-chaired the event as well as represented the Sokoto state Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, stressed that without justice and equity, it may be difficult to foster national unity in the country.

He harped on the need for decentralisation of security structure as one of the solutions to the insecurity problems facing the country, adding that it is inappropriate for just one ethnic group to be in charge of security in a multi-ethnic country like Nigeria.

Wabara stated: “Rather than adopting the kneel-jerk approach in tackling the menace of security problem facing the country currently, the government at the centre needs to look deep down and design solutions. In my view the solution should include the decentralisation of the over-centralised security apparatus in the hands of one ethnic nationality in Nigeria by doing the constitutional approach of the Federal Character to our national security system.”

In his remarks as the Father of the Day, Former Governor of Oyo State, Rashidi Ladoja, said the spate at which many Nigerians, especially youths and professionals, are rushing abroad to seek greener pastures must be a source of concern for the government at all levels if the future of the country must be secured.

He noted: “Our children are relocating abroad. The prices of foodstuffs and other commodities are going up on a daily basis. This is causing tension in many homes where the husbands and the wives are employed. The youths and the professionals who should stay and build our country are rushing abroad. It used to be doctors alone travelling abroad before but now, everybody is relocating. We are living on borrowed time.”

In a brief remark, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, described Oduyoye as a unifier, lauding him for being a bridge-builder who is committed to a noble cause.

Zainab Sa’id