Osogbo: 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.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, 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 ruler 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.
Oba Akanbi stressed the importance of prioritising national security and cohesion above political interests. He expressed disheartenment over reports of politicians politicising insecurity, which he views as a reflection of political immaturity and insensitivity. He reiterated that victims of insecurity cut across all political parties and that banditry does not discriminate.
He also highlighted that no nation has successfully overcome insecurity without the cooperation of all stakeholders, including opposition leaders. Oba Akanbi expressed hope that key opposition figures would visit President Bola Tinubu to offer sympathy and present constructive solutions to address the security challenges. He underscored the necessity of placing human lives and dignity above political interests, noting that victims of insecurity come from all political backgrounds.