By Babatunde Tiamiyu
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 made the identification at the annual Ramadan lecture held in Ibadan by the Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria (MULAN), Oyo State Branch.
Various speakers on the theme: “Security and Economy, Islamic Model for Accountable Leadership”,agreed that Nigerian leaders are merely paying lip service to issues militating against the Nigeria’s security.
The guest lecturer on the occasion, who is the Acting Deputy Director of Islamic Affairs, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Lt. – Col. Alyasau Lawal, said Nigeria was blessed with vast resources,but lacked institutionalised accountability among its leaders.
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 will 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 for collective action of all Nigerians to tackle insecurity and return the nation’s the path of prosperity.
On his part, the Oyo state Director, Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Rasheed Adelakun, called on the nation’ leadership to be transparent,accountable,and trustworthy,towards ensuring the country’s security and national growth.
Adelakun, represented by a senior officer in the State service,Mr. Taofeek Hussein,stressed that leadership exist to promote the public’s welfare and not for personal gains.
Hussain said that leaders must be answerable to those they lead to gain their trust.
Earlier In his welcome address, the Oyo State MULAN Chairman, Alhaji Ismaila Saka, said the association’s Central goals were to contribute to the entrenchment of justice,promotion of Islamic ideals and supporting 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 in the Red Chambers,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 Alli, there is more confidence in the Nigerian electoral system now and the electorate have now been empowered to decide and vote those politicians who are ready to work.
In his remarks, Senator representing Oyo North Senatoris District,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 among others.
