Injustice, nepotism and lack of accountability have been pinpointed as some of the major factors contributing to the escalating insecurity in Nigeria.
Some security experts said this at the annual Ramadan Lecture of the Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria (MULAN), Oyo State Branch.
Speaking on the theme “Security and Economy, Islamic Model for Accountable Leadership”, the speakers agreed that Nigerian leaders are merely paying lip service to issues militating against the nation’s security system.
The guest lecturer on the occasion, who is the Acting Deputy Director of Islamic Affairs, Nigerian Army, 2 Division, Ibadan, Lieutenant Colonel Alyasau Lawal, said Nigeria was blessed with vast resources, but lack institutionalised accountability among its leaders.
Lieutenant Colonel Lawal emphasised that insecurity in Nigeria could not be addressed by military force alone, but by justice, equity and institutional reforms.
He said that Nigeria’s security and economy must not be compromised on altar of personal interest.
According to him, it would be difficult for a nation with security challenges to experience economic growth and meaningful development.
Lt.-Col. Lawal attributed the spate of kidnapping, banditry and other crimes in Nigeria to economic hardship confronting the masses.
He, however advocated collective action of all Nigerians to tackle insecurity and return the nation’s path of prosperity.
On his part, the Oyo state Director, Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Rasheed Adelakun, called on the nation’s leadership to be transparent, accountable and trustworthy towards ensuring the country’s security and national growth.
Mr. Adelakun, represented by a senior officer in the State service, Mr. Taofeek Hussain, stressed that leadership was meant to promote the public’s welfare and not for personal gains.
Mr. Hussain said that leaders must be answerable to those they lead to gain their trust.
Earlier, Oyo State MULAN Chairman, Alhaji Ismaila Saka, said the association’s central goals were to contribute to the entrenchment of justice, promote Islamic ideas and support the less privileged.
Speaking on the 2027 general election, Alhaji Saka called on eligible Nigerians of 18 years and above to register, obtain their voter’s cards and vote credible people into governance.
He advised Nigerians against the sale of their votes as pre-condition for voting candidates, stressing that doing so was recipe for disaster.
“Voting candidates whose only qualification for seeking public office is the depth of their pockets would only ensure the perpetuation of our economic and social malaise.
“Candidates must be voted for on the basis of competence, Godliness, and track records of performance in previous assignment or positions of responsibility,” he said.
Chairman on the occasion and Senator representing Oyo South, Sarafadeen Alli, revealed that with the amendment of the Electoral Act, power has now been taken away from politicians who may be having plan to rig the election.
According to Senator Alli, there is more confidence in the Nigerian electoral system now and the voters have been empowered to decide and vote those politicians who are ready to work.
In a remark, Senator representing Oyo North, Fatai Buhari, called on both Muslims and Christians to use the period of Ramadan and Lent to improve on their deeds and completely be changed persons even after the fasting.
Dignitaries at the 2026 Oyo state MULAN, included President of the Oyo State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Tajudeen Abdul-Ganiyu, Alhaji Lasu Sanusi SAN, Justice M.A. Adegbola, Baale Apena Town and former Chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Oyo State Council, Alhaji Lateef Adegoke and General Manager, Pensioners’ FM, Dr. Babatunde Tiamiyu.
