Oluyole LG boss warns against politicising security issues

The Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Asiwaju Akeem Olatunji, has cautioned against sensationalising security matters for political gain, stressing that security is a collective responsibility requiring cooperation and sincerity.

In response to security concerns in Oluyole, the council leader urged political figures and residents to refrain from spreading unverified information that could further escalate tensions.

Speaking on Tuesday, March 11 shortly after an expanded Security Council meeting held at his LG Secretariat Office at Idi-Ayunre with heads of security agencies, community leaders, representatives of farmers and herders in the area as well as other key security stakeholders, Olatunji disclosed that the video the lawmaker was reacting to was recorded in 2023 and the issue has since been resolved.

He emphasised that security concerns should not be sensationalized for political gain, urging all stakeholders to adopt a collaborative approach to ensuring peace and stability in Oluyole.

The meeting reviewed recent security developments and strengthened strategies to address emerging threats. Representatives from various security agencies, including the police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Immigration, the Department of State Services (DSS), Amotekun Corps, and local vigilante groups, reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the area.

The chairman expressed disappointment over what he described as reckless statements from certain lawmakers regarding the security situation in the area.

Regarding the issue of farmers-herders clashes, Olatunji emphasized that residents should not push the patience of the local community. He indicated that Oluyole Local Government would not hesitate to enforce all necessary anti-open grazing laws in the state.

“We must avoid sensationalizing security issues for political gain. Security is a collective responsibility, and it requires cooperation, not unnecessary alarm. Our administration remains committed to working with security agencies, community leaders, and residents to ensure safety across Oluyole Local Government.”

“It is highly regrettable and reckless for anyone, especially a lawmaker, to make statements that could worsen the security situation in Oluyole based on second or third-hand information that could not be substantiated.

“It will interest her to know that we have been working tirelessly with the security council and other security agencies in Oluyole local government, community leaders, as well as all critical stakeholders to ensure peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders. Playing politics with this issue is totally unacceptable to us,” Olatunji stated.

While calling for cohesive approach to security matters, he emphasized that security challenges should be addressed with sincerity and collective responsibility rather than being used for personal or political gains, while reiterating the commitment of the local government to deepening communication and dialogue between all affected parties to prevent any conflicts.

“I urge our people to disregard any attempt to create unnecessary panic or fear through false alarm. We must remain united and work together regardless of political affiliations to sustain the peace we have been striving to maintain in Oluyole,” Olatunji added.

Olatunji called on political leaders and stakeholders to support constructive solutions instead of making inflammatory remarks capable of creating avoidable ethnic tension. He assured residents that the local government would continue collaborating with security agencies to protect lives and property while ensuring a harmonious relationship between farmers and herders.

Earlier, the security council reviewed the current security situation in Oluyole and reaffirmed its commitment to continuous engagement with stakeholders while promising to implement additional security measures where necessary. The security Council further called for unity and cooperation among all stakeholders in addressing security concerns in the local government.

Representatives of farmers and herders and traditional leaders present, in their separate submissions agreed to deepen collaboration and work more closely in ensuring that illegal immigrants did not infiltrate them to perpetrate crime as Yoruba, Hausa/Fulani, and other ethnicities have lived together in peace and harmony in Oluyole local government.

Residents of Oluyole were urged to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve disputes rather than resorting to self help which they said is against the law and could be counterproductive in ensuring a safe and peaceful environment for meaningful development to take place.

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