In this Interview With Gbenga Sodeinde, Former College Librarian, Labour Leader and Public Affairs Analyst, Elder Ayo Arogundade Speaks on Various Diverse Issues of National Interest: Security, Constitutional Anendment, Restructuring. Among Others. Excerpts…
“Eliminate wastes and eliminate corruption”
Q: What can you say about Nigeria’s situation currently, particularly on security issues?
A: Current situation in Nigeria. The security situation in Nigeria is pathetic, it is sad and terrible.Nobody can sleep with two eyes closed. Boko Haram still operates in the North East, Bandits are freely operating in the North West.
It is very terrible that kidnapping keep on reoccurring in the south west, South East and south south.North Central is not safe.Nobody can travel from Abuja kaduna road by Road. Farmers can not freely move to farms because of fear of attack. people are attacked on daily basis. very unfortunate
Current situation on economy, the economy is not growing, Large number of unemployed youths. I am not in support of increase in fuel price and electricity tarriffs bc it is reducing the purchasing power of ordinary people. Prices of goods and services are going higher every day. This is not a welcome development.
Q:What are your suggestions regarding this issue?
A: My Suggestions In the area of security,I strongly suggest dat the security should be restructured, emphasis should be on Community policing, local vigilante groups should be involved for example Amotekun in the south west should be motivated and strengthened, Armed forces should be equipped with modern weapons, Intelligence should be enhanced.
Security personnel should be posted to areas where they know the History, geography, culture, language of the people dat is why I think policing should be decentralized. There should be synergy among there security agencies and Happy and the Paramilitary agencies.Security issue should not be politicised
Traditional security system of the old should be incorporated.
Also on the issue of economy Let corruption be reduced or eradicated.let there be reduction in ammount of money spent to maintain public offices. I will suggest reductions in rhe cost of governance.Let us develop our natural resources . provide jobs for people or provide good environment for jobs.
The essence of Government is to provide for the welfare and security of the citizens.
Eliminate wastes and eliminate corruption.
Q: Why did you think these will solve the problem?
A:Corruption is the big issue, by the time the money in private hand is spent on welfare of the people the economy will improve.
Q What role will Constitutional amendment and restructuring play in this, please expatriate ?
A: Constitutional matters I am in support of structuring to give more power to the Federating states.let there be true federalism.
I am also of the opinion that we adopt a unicameral Legislative System to reduce cost and waste in our Legislation. Legislators should perform part time duties collecting only sitting allowance. Money saved will be use for development. This will require constitutional amendment.
Q: Your suggestions to both the Federal and governments?
A: My suggestions are that Local government should be granted full autonomy to operate
The Federal Government and State governmets should make the issue of the security and welfare of the people their priority, because that is the essence of governance.
Q: Your advice to Nigerians both home and abroad?
A: Nigerians both at home and disapora should be patriotic.Nigerians should be interested in electoral process so that during election periods, they should come out to vote for the candidates and Political parties of their choice based on Merits and performance. Thank you.