Yoruba Leader urges tangible action against insecurity, not just ‘marching orders
In a candid and cautionary message, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the esteemed leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere, has advised President Bola Tinubu to steer clear of the security approach employed by his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari. The warning comes in the wake of Tinubu’s issuance of marching orders to service chiefs and security agencies in response to the escalating wave of security breaches across the nation.
Speaking in Jos, the Plateau State capital, on January 17, 2024, Adebanjo expressed concern that Tinubu’s directive mirrors the ineffective strategy employed by Buhari during his tenure. The nonagenarian leader, renowned for his insightful perspectives, asserted that relying solely on marching orders without tangible action could lead to futile efforts, akin to Buhari’s approach that failed to quell insecurity throughout his time in power.
Adebanjo, on a condolence visit to the residence of the late Chief Solomon Lar, a former Governor of Plateau State and the first National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), emphasized the necessity for a more proactive and result-oriented approach to address the prevailing security challenges.
Learning from history: Insistence on action over words
In his address, Adebanjo recalled the challenges faced during Buhari’s administration, where the issuance of marching orders without subsequent action proved to be insufficient in curbing insecurity. He emphasized the need for President Tinubu to take concrete steps in arresting and prosecuting those responsible for the killings across the country.
“When Buhari was in office, we said he was behind those killing Nigerians. We told him (Buhari) that those killing us are in his government, House Representatives, and the Senate. When it (killings) happens, he would say he has given marching orders. We want action and not marching orders. In the end, nothing happens. No arrest even after our complaints,” Adebanjo asserted.
The veteran statesman emphasized that a mere repetition of marching orders without subsequent arrests and prosecutions would not suffice. He urged President Tinubu to learn from the lessons of history and adopt a more decisive and result-oriented approach to the security challenges facing the nation.
Call for tangible action: Arrest and prosecute perpetrators
Adebanjo articulated a clear expectation from President Tinubu, stating, “Now, we have another President. And we are faced with the same security challenge. We want action from President Tinubu and not marching orders. Anybody who wants to impress Nigerians must go after those behind the killings. They must be arrested and prosecuted if he wants the problem to be solved.”
This call for action underscores the essence of accountability and the imperative of addressing the root causes of insecurity. Adebanjo’s words serve as a reminder that tangible results are crucial in instilling confidence among the Nigerian populace.
Condolences to Plateau State and a plea for proactive measures
While in Jos, Pa Ayo Adebanjo offered heartfelt condolences to the people of Plateau State who lost loved ones in the Christmas Eve attack that claimed nearly 200 lives in Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of the state. His visit emphasized the need for proactive measures and a resolute stance against the perpetrators of such heinous acts.
As President Tinubu faces the challenges of steering the nation towards enhanced security, the cautionary words of Pa Ayo Adebanjo echo the collective call for more than rhetoric—a demand for decisive, tangible, and effective action against the scourge of insecurity plaguing Nigeria.
