Traditional rulers demand tougher anti-kidnapping laws, urge swift creation of state police
ADO-EKITI — Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in his commitment to tackling insecurity, saying the administration is strengthening both domestic security measures and international partnerships to defeat terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements threatening the country.
The First Lady gave the assurance on Saturday during an engagement with members of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers at Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti, as part of her official working visit to the state.
Senator Tinubu said President Tinubu was working tirelessly to address the nation’s security challenges and had initiated strategic collaborations with countries such as the United States and other international partners to combat terrorism and transnational crime.
Describing the persistent incidents of kidnappings, banditry, and killings across parts of the country as deeply troubling, she expressed confidence that Nigeria would ultimately overcome the security challenges.
“It is disheartening that we have this insecurity. A lot of foreign countries are helping our nation. The US and some other developed countries are helping us in this matter. Some of those terrorising us are non-Nigerians. No matter what happens, we shall overcome; Nigeria is too great to be intimidated,” she said.
The First Lady further stressed that the President remains fully engaged in efforts to restore peace and stability.
“I can assure you that we don’t have Mondays or Sundays. The President is working round the clock to get this matter resolved. At times, Mr President sleeps at 3 a.m. because of the demands of governance and security. Let us continue to pray for our nation,” she added.
Senator Tinubu also thanked the traditional rulers and people of Ekiti State for their continued support for President Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji, describing such goodwill as a source of encouragement for both leaders.
Monarchs Seek Tougher Security Measures
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu-Alagbado, called on the Federal Government to review existing anti-kidnapping and anti-terrorism laws to provide stiffer punishments for offenders and their collaborators.
The monarch lamented the growing sophistication of criminal networks and argued that stronger legal sanctions were needed to deter perpetrators.
He also renewed calls for the establishment of state police, urging the Federal Government to fast-track ongoing discussions on decentralised policing.
“There should be a review of the laws dealing with insecurity. Those aiding and abetting kidnapping must face stricter punitive measures,” the monarch said.
“The bill for the creation of state police should be fast-tracked. Our people are not cowards, but their hands are tied because they do not have the necessary powers and equipment to confront heavily armed criminals.”
Renewed Hope Initiative Interventions
The First Lady used the occasion to highlight the impact of her Renewed Hope Initiative in Ekiti State and across Nigeria.
According to her, the initiative has established a modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre at Ekiti State University and provided educational support through scholarships and endowment programmes valued at N200 million.
She also disclosed that over 2,000 traders in the state had benefited from grants of N50,000 each, while elderly citizens, vulnerable groups, and persons living with disabilities continue to receive support through various empowerment programmes.
“Kabiyesi, I didn’t only come here to support Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the APC Women’s Campaign Council; I came to thank you for the love and support you have shown Mr President in Ekiti State,” she said.
Royal Endorsement
The traditional rulers commended the First Lady for the nationwide impact of the Renewed Hope Initiative and praised President Tinubu for what they described as bold efforts to address Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
Oba Adu-Alagbado said the council remained fully supportive of the President’s administration, expressing confidence that ongoing reforms would eventually yield lasting benefits for the country.
He described President Tinubu as a leader confronting difficult national challenges with courage and determination, while reaffirming the traditional institution’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening national unity, security, and development.