Former senator and member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Bode Olajumoke, has called on governors in the South West to establish a Special Security Trust Fund to help finance and tackle security-related challenges in their states.
Olajumoke made this call while leading leaders of the Ondo North Senatorial District on a courtesy visit to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to congratulate him on his election and to discuss issues concerning the security and welfare of the people in the area.
The former senator said creating dedicated financing for security matters—beyond the usual annual budgetary allocations—would ease the burden on state governments and provide adequate resources to address the country’s growing security challenges.
Olajumoke said, “I urge you and your brother-governors in the South West, as well as those of the neighbouring states (Kogi and Edo), to intensify efforts to arrest this deteriorating situation which is burdening citizens and challenging their faith in the government’s ability to protect them.
“As a practical step, government may consider acquiring more sophisticated equipment and deploying technology to enhance the performance of the Amotekun Corps.
“This should be in addition to recruiting more personnel to ensure more boots on the ground.
“This advice will no doubt further stretch the resources of government; nevertheless, Nigerians are patriotic citizens, and a large number of individuals and companies may be willing to contribute voluntarily to a Security Trust Fund if one is established and properly structured.
“In any case, virtually all communities in Ondo State now operate self-funded local security networks, which currently function in silos.
“Consequently, if government proposes a Security Trust Fund through an Executive Bill, the ultimate outcome will bring about more effective coordination, synergy, and improved funding for internal security in the state.
“Without a shadow of a doubt, if the pervasive insecurity is reduced to the barest minimum, it will have a salutary effect on the safety and security of the citizens, as well as on their economic prosperity. It will ameliorate the current prohibitive cost of living.”
He appealed to Governor Aiyedatiwa to give priority to the security and welfare of the people of the state, urging him to tackle food inflation.
He also noted that food production will increase when farmers have unrestricted access to their farms.
“They will be able to produce enough for local consumption and even export to earn hard currency.
“Let me commend the lofty initiative of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in sponsoring the rehabilitation of farming roads to create easier access for farmers to bring their produce to market.
“The rehabilitation of the road from Idogun Ose bridge to Uka by Hon. Timi Adelegbe, who represents Ose/Owo in the House of Representatives, is highly commendable. More of such projects should go around to make our farmers smile.”
Olajumoke urged the governor to appoint individuals who will add value to his administration in subsequent batches of political appointments.
“I urge you to please ensure the even and fair distribution of the dividends of your administration to all three senatorial districts of our state, regardless of who voted or did not vote for you.
“Fortunately, you have a comprehensive mandate, having won in all 18 local government areas of the state. Let us remember the teaching of Jesus Christ that God causes His sunshine and rain to benefit both the good and the wicked (Matt. 5:45–47).”
“Let me at this point thank you and your deputy for promptly responding when I appealed to you on the Idogun crisis. Thank God Idogun is relatively calm.
“Mr. Governor may be surprised, however, to note that the retired Justice Adeyanju panel, set up four weeks ago to look into the crisis, is yet to be mobilised to do the needful.
“There is also a need for Mr. Governor to diligently look into the brewing crisis in the royal family in Akungba, which is our citadel city of education.”
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In his response, Governor Aiyedatiwa appreciated the delegation for their trust in his administration and reaffirmed his commitment to the security of lives and property.
He disclosed that military personnel had been deployed to the area to tackle insecurity, saying the protection of lives and property remains a top priority for his government.
The governor expressed willingness to consider the proposed Security Trust Fund and announced plans to bolster the Amotekun Corps with additional personnel.
He called for the cooperation of traditional rulers in curbing insecurity in the area and assured the royal fathers that they would remain integral to his administration.
In attendance were the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; and Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philips.
Leaders of the district on Olajumoke’s entourage included the Olubaka of Oka Akoko, Oba Dr. Yusuf Adebori Adeleye; Dr. Olusegun Ategbole; Hon. Justice Nelson Adeyanju (Rtd.); Air Commodore Olufemi Olutoye (Rtd.); former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Barrister Yemi Alao; and former Chairman of Ose Local Government Area, Dennis Alonge.
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