‘Be decisive’ — policy expert advises Tinubu on how to fight insecurity

Opeyemi Agbaje, a public policy expert and strategist, says the incoming government needs to be decisive in tackling insecurity. 

Agbaje spoke on Wednesday while delivering a lecture at a workshop for journalists organised by First City Monument Bank (FCMB) in Abuja.

Bola Tinubu, the president-elect, will be sworn in on May 29.

The constitution mandates the president to set up his cabinet within 60 days after the inauguration.

Agbaje said the outgoing administration of Muhammadu Buhari has not been clear about how what should be done to tackle the nation’s insecurity.

He said the incoming government must be “decisive” and exercise the “political will” to successfully tackle insecurity.

“The most important change has to be the political will of a government, particularly the president. I think the outgoing president has not made himself clear in terms of what he wants regarding security. I think if he (had) made himself clear and (was) decisive about it — he would have succeeded,” he said.

“I don’t think the Nigeria security architecture is that incompetent. I think there have been mixed signals. You can’t afford to have mixed signals regarding insecurity in a complex country like Nigeria.

“For me, the most important factor will be the political will and the decisiveness of the government to confront insecurity.”

In his remarks, Diran Olojo, head of corporate affairs of FCMB, said capacity building helps journalists gain valuable insights to report and analyse issues accurately.

He said an informed and responsible media would contribute immensely to the growth and development of a more informed and active populace.

“Knowledgeable and engaged citizens trigger economic growth, better governance, and social cohesion, among other benefits, ensuring a prosperous, cohesive, and sustainable society,” Olojo said.