Sequel to the killing of Funke Olakunrin, daughter of Pa Reuben Fasoranti by unknown gunmen, the former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola has asked the Federal Government to urgently lead the fight against all forms of criminalities in the country.
Oyinlola, in a statement he personally signed on Monday said the FG must ensure the fight against these criminals is devoid of emotional bias and politics in order to ensure the safety of all citizens.
Describing Olakunrin’s death as shocking and unfortunate, Oyinlola said the development is an eye-opener for all to call on the FG to lead Nigeria out of this terrible time, adding that Olakunrin’s death must be the last.
Recall that Olakunrin who was on her way to Lagos from Akure was murdered last Friday by suspected Fulani herdsmen along the Lagos-Benin Expressway.
Oyinlola also condoled with the families of Afenifere leader, Pa Fasoranti, the Olakunrin’s, the government and people of Ondo State, the Afenifere family and the Yoruba people.
The former governor asked Nigerians to hold government accountable for the security lapses in the country while urging President Muhammadu Buhari to deliver on his promises and the belief the people have in him as a former military general.
“The murder of Mrs Funke Olakunrin in broad daylight came as a shock and a rude reminder to all of us that our country is in terrible times. This is a time for all patriots to be sober and reflect on how we got to this Hobbesian point when life has become nasty, brutish and short.
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“With this tragic incident and the several reported and unreported ones across the country, particularly in the South West, it is time to say enough.
“Certainty of arrest and severity of punishment are time-tested deterrents to crimes and criminality. Criminal, evil-minded persons will always have a free reign where impunity is condoned.
“However, the government must not be emotional about arrest and punishment. The government has a lot of work to do to convince Nigerians that it is for the law-abiding citizens and that these criminals are not above the law.
“Government must never be seen as being hostage to or complicit of crime and criminality. Governments exist to protect lives and properties; they do not exist to release condolence messages after each avoidable death as this.
“These criminals have declared a war against our nation and we should take the war to them. The Federal Government is expected to lead this war without bringing politics into it and without any emotional bias against the law.
“One of the reasons some of us backed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 was his perceived competence in security matters – given his training and status as a General of the Nigerian Army.
“He needs to redeem his image now that deadly criminals have taken over the land, rubbishing all he has ever lived for. He needs to come out clearly now, address the nation, outlining clearly his war plans to safeguard the lives and property of all Nigerians in all states.
“Nigerians want to hear him directly not through an aide or a party chief. He is the one they voted for as Commander-in-Chief, not someone else.
“I appeal to Nigerians to be vigilant, decisive, cooperate with security agencies and more importantly, join in this war against insecurity and impunity. We must hold our government responsible for whatever happens to our lives and property and give it whatever assistance it may need to get this done,” Oyinlola said.
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