Primate Elijah Ayodele, a respected Nigerian cleric, offered advice to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to tackle Nigeria’s persistent security challenges. Ayodele emphasized that solutions must emerge internally. He warned against relying on external forces.
On X, the cleric shared his insights. He stated, “A nation seeking peace must reorganize its security from the roots upward.” “Relying solely on one central structure will not bring victory,” he added. This applies to banditry and terrorism. Ayodele outlined a three-tiered security framework. He believes this could transform Nigeria’s security architecture.
Empowering Local Security Forces
First, he advocated Local Government Security Units. These units should comprise local indigenes. They possess deep knowledge of their communities. This includes people, terrain, and criminal patterns.
Strengthening Regional Commands
Next, he recommended Regional Security Commands. These bodies must be disciplined. They need central coordination. Their role is to manage larger zones efficiently.
Optimizing State-Level Security
For states, he advised creating State-Level Security Bodies. These must be streamlined and empowered. They need freedom from overlapping authorities. Such overlaps often hinder effective law enforcement.
Prioritizing Internal Solutions
Ayodele stressed, “Do not depend on external forces.” “Depend on the people who carry the land in their blood,” he urged. “Let those understanding their environment protect it.” He argued for grassroots-driven security initiatives. These bring peace faster and more sustainably. Top-down approaches alone are insufficient.
A Call for National Preservation
The cleric concluded his counsel is not political. It is a plea for national preservation. He urged authorities to heed his advice. This will achieve lasting stability.
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