Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State and former member of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, has issued a fervent call to action, urging President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s security agencies to prioritize the apprehension and prosecution of individuals and groups financing insecurity across the nation. Oyintiloye’s plea comes in the wake of escalating violence and killings, particularly in states like Benue and Plateau, incidents he describes as “pathetic and unacceptable.” He emphasizes that addressing the root causes of insecurity requires a shift in focus from solely targeting foot soldiers to dismantling the complex financial and logistical networks that fuel these criminal activities. He argues that as long as bandits have access to resources and weaponry, their operations will continue unabated.
Oyintiloye’s central argument revolves around the necessity of disrupting the financial lifelines of insurgent groups. He advocates for a multi-pronged approach that combines strengthened intelligence gathering and analysis with robust anti-corruption measures and international cooperation to effectively cut off the flow of funds to these criminal enterprises. He believes that identifying and prosecuting the financiers of these violent acts is as crucial, if not more so, than tackling the perpetrators themselves. This, he argues, will not only cripple the operational capacity of these groups but also serve as a powerful deterrent to others who might consider engaging in such activities. He maintains that the current approach, focusing primarily on the foot soldiers, is akin to treating the symptoms while ignoring the disease.
While acknowledging the efforts of the security agencies and recognizing the progress made, Oyintiloye insists that more can and must be done to expose the sponsors of these acts of violence. He underscores the urgency of the situation, stating that the incessant killings of innocent Nigerians must not be tolerated. He further cautions against the politicization of insecurity, warning that individuals attempting to exploit the nation’s security challenges for political gain are effectively sabotaging national security and should be treated as enemies of the state. He advocates for a unified front against insecurity, emphasizing the importance of national solidarity in tackling this critical issue.
Oyintiloye stresses the importance of public prosecution for those found guilty of financing insurgency. He argues that arresting financiers without subsequent public prosecution will not achieve the desired outcome. Public trials, he believes, will not only serve as a deterrent but will also demonstrate the government’s commitment to accountability and restore public confidence in the justice system. He emphasizes that transparency in the prosecution process is essential for demonstrating that no one is above the law and for sending a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated.
Furthermore, Oyintiloye identifies weak institutions as a significant contributing factor to Nigeria’s security challenges. He points to systemic failures, including rising unemployment, pervasive poverty, widespread illiteracy, and ineffective policing, as key drivers of insecurity. He argues that a holistic approach to tackling insecurity must address these underlying societal issues. He emphasizes the need for strengthening institutional frameworks, promoting good governance, upholding democratic values, and ensuring accountability across all sectors. He posits that these measures are crucial for creating a more stable and secure environment.
Despite the formidable challenges confronting Nigeria, Oyintiloye maintains an optimistic outlook. He expresses confidence that the nation can overcome its security woes through a combination of stronger political will and the implementation of strategic reforms. He believes that by addressing the root causes of insecurity, holding financiers accountable, and strengthening institutions, Nigeria can build a more peaceful and prosperous future. He concludes with a call for unity and collective action, stressing that overcoming these challenges requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders.
