The Founder, Spiritual head and grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in Islam Worldwide, Prof Sabit Ariyo Olagoke JP has called on the federal government to give due recognition to local security outfits so as to support the state governments efforts in tackling security challenges across the Federation.
The Islamic cleric who frowned at the alarming spate of killings and kidnapping by unknown gunmen across the country, also called on the justice system to bring all culprits to book irrespective of their status to prevent hoodlums from perpetrating further evils.
Olagoke, made the appeal in a lecture titled “Nigeria Development Revival Need: The Way Out”, delivered at the grand finale of Shafaudeen annual Ishrat to mark it’s 41st anniversary held at it’s headquarters, Wakajaye, Ibadan the capital city of Oyo state over the weekend.
Speaking further on the security situation of the country, the Islamic cleric who pointed out that the security rot impact is more felt at the grassroots than what nationally controlled agencies can effectively deal with, called for the recognition and reorganization of local or native security outfits like the Agbekoyas among others.
The religious leader, who is also the Arole Ogunelu Ejemu, Aare Alasa Dynasty in Ibadanland said the creation of state police was long overdue urging the Federal Government to support the state government on the formation of the likes of Amotekun across the Federation to be more effective.
He said against the world standard or security personnel and population ratio, Nigeria is usually ranked low in terms performances.
“Above all, the Aare Ona kakanfo of Yoruba land needs to wake up, he should make use of his position on this issue of insecurity, his impact is only rhetorical never yet felt to show his relevance. He said.
Speaking on corruption, Professor Olagoke advocated for long jail term for corrupt politicians, government officials, and others to serve as deterrent for upcoming leaders.
According to him, tackling corruption is therefore essential for governance to be effective and for government to make it easy for people to meet up with their basic needs. To realize this, power devolution to local governments to aid grassroots development must be resuscitated with anti-graft device and punitive measures for deterrence awaiting defaulting local government officials.
“Long years sentences for corrupt people in politics, government business is sacrosanct since deterrent will be like straw that broke a leg as a warning signal of correction to those that will be coming behind. Plea bargain aids and weaponizes others to be more smart and involving when it is their turn of the juicy opportunity.”
“Saudi and China detest corruption and indiscipline through compliance to the rule of law while developed world would not compromise indiscipline and corruption using technology to track offenders. Do we have such provisions here?
“Above all, Nigeria development revival is a collective responsibility for posterity sustainability and peace sake. The change mantra is feasible like in the case of Singapore. Let us have a paradigm shift because ambulance that goes with siren is for the dead. However in Nigeria, our leaders go with siren too because they are till date, worse than the dead. In the same manner greedy leaders are sick we need to pray for them to be well. Nigeria development revival need is a must for posterity sake.
The occasion featured the conferment of award of excellence to Senator Sharafadeen Alli and mine other deserving Nigerians, cutting of the anniversary cake, Walimotul Qur’ran , and presentation of sewing machines with accessories to two female members of Shafaudeen organization who are beneficiaries of the Senator Yunus Akintunde Empowerment programme among others.