Stop scoring political points with insecurity, Oluwo tells politicians

By Joshua Oladipo

The Oluwo of Iwoland in Osun, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has appealed to politicians to desist from politicising insecurity in the country.

The appeal is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Osogbo by the Oluwo’s Chief Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem.

Oba Akanbi urged political actors who genuinely love Nigeria to collaborate with the government in tackling insecurity, stressing that no administration can successfully address security challenges without the support of citizens and key stakeholders.

The traditional leader expressed disappointment over what he described as routine condemnation of government efforts without constructive contributions.

He noted that insecurity in Nigeria has no political, ethnic, or religious colouration, and called on leaders across party lines to embrace dialogue and offer practical solutions.

The traditional ruler described those exploiting insecurity for political gains as “political bandits,” emphasising that criminals do not attack based on political affiliation, ethnicity, or religion.

“National security and cohesion should be prioritised above political interests. The dignity of human lives lost to insecurity should not be subjected to political sentiment. It is disheartening to read reports of politicians politicising insecurity. This reflects political immaturity, insensitivity, and what I call political banditry. Most of those politicising insecurity are political bandits,” he said.

He added that victims of insecurity cut across all political parties, noting that banditry does not discriminate.

“I have not seen any justification for the politicisation of insecurity in Nigeria,” he said.

Oba Akanbi further stressed that no nation has successfully overcome insecurity without the cooperation of all stakeholders, including opposition leaders.

He expressed hope that key opposition figures would visit President Bola Tinubu to offer sympathy and present constructive solutions to address the security challenges.

“No patriot should take pleasure in the loss of fellow citizens. We must place human lives and dignity above political interests. Victims of insecurity come from all political backgrounds,” he said.

NAN