Olusegun Ariyo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed concern over the increasing insecurity in Nigeria.
Reflecting on his time in office, the former president said security was a key priority during his administration, urging current leaders to take proactive measures to combat the growing menace.
Speaking during a visit to Bauchi on Sunday, where he met with the Emir, Dr Rilwanu Adamu, Obasanjo said tackling insecurity requires the cooperation of local leaders, as many criminals live within communities.
His words “During our terms in office, we prioritized the security of lives and properties across the country. Right now, we need to do something urgently about this.
“The best form of security is community policing because everyone knows his/her neighbours within the community. With that, it is very easy to identify the bad eggs.”
“I am calling on traditional institutions to step in and encourage community policing within their environment in order to reduce the spate of committing crimes”
“During our service to the nation, we did everything collectively, our decisions were taken together to have a uniform focus. My brother, Ahmed Adamu Mu’azu is seated here and he will bear me witness. Whatever we achieved then, was a collective effort.”
He added “We need peace, unity and collective support in this country if we must move forward. Things can be right and good again in the country, all we need to do is to get united and do things collectively.”
Earlier, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed informed the Council of Traditional Rulers that former President Olusegun Obasanjo was visiting the state to celebrate the success of his administration’s good governance.
He noted that during the visit, the former President would commission two road projects completed under his administration, aimed at improving the state’s development and facilitating easier transportation.
