Govs don’t regard tackling insecurity as priority — Folarin, Afenifere scribe
Dissatisfaction with State Security and Amotekun: Insights from Afenifere’s Chief Folarin
By Dapo Akinrefon
Chief Ademola Folarin, a prominent lawyer and General Secretary of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization Afenifere, has expressed strong criticism regarding the state of policing and security in Nigeria. He asserts that federal authorities cannot function in place of state police, highlighting a pressing need for decentralization in law enforcement.
In a recent interview, Folarin contended that governors in the South-West failed to effectively implement the Western security initiative, Amotekun, and suggested that their inability to address insecurity has reached critical levels.
“The issue of state police is not up for debate,” Folarin stated, emphasizing Afenifere’s long-standing advocacy for its establishment. He noted that recent developments, including the President’s approval and the passage of relevant legislation, reflect the demand for local policing solutions. He criticized opponents of state police, suggesting they misunderstand the importance of decentralized governance, particularly in matters of security.
Folarin acknowledged concerns about the potential abuse of power by state police but argued that federal law enforcement exhibits similar tendencies. He urged the need for regulatory frameworks to prevent misuse while advocating for more autonomy for state governments in combating insecurity.
The Afenifere leader underscored that addressing Nigeria’s security challenges necessitates collaboration between federal and state authorities. “Security of lives and property is the primary responsibility of any government,” he asserted.
Shifting focus to Amotekun, Folarin lamented recent shortcomings in its operations, attributing them to a lack of commitment from the governors who initiated the initiative. He challenged the effectiveness of state preparations for security issues, citing Oyo State’s recent procurement of surveillance equipment as an example of delayed action.
Folarin also responded to recent calls from Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for a United Nations investigation into a kidnapping incident in Oriire. He criticized the decision to seek international intervention and questioned the sincerity of Makinde’s statements regarding the federal government’s responses. “It was a cheap political statement,” he remarked, suggesting that local governance should be more proactive in addressing security challenges.
On the subject of terrorism and religious persecution, Folarin acknowledged that violence affects all faiths, but emphasized the particular vulnerabilities of Christian communities in Nigeria. He described an active agenda to Islamize the nation while noting that Christians are not the sole victims of terrorism.
Regarding measures for deradicalization of captured terrorists, Folarin maintained that individuals who have engaged in violent acts should be tried for their crimes. He supported rehabilitation for those who have not committed murder, viewing reintegration as crucial to preventing recidivism.
Folarin concluded by reflecting on the broader implications of crime and governance, stating that effective leadership and accountability at both the federal and state levels are vital for addressing Nigeria’s pressing security issues. He affirmed his commitment to contributing to the ongoing discussions within Afenifere regarding these pivotal governance matters.
