President Bola Tinubu has explained that the creation of four additional divisions of the Nigerian Army, bringing the total from eight to twelve, is designed to ensure the military can respond swiftly to acts of insecurity wherever they occur. He said the expanded structure has left the armed forces better motivated to confront the long-standing security challenges facing the country.
The President made this known on Thursday while receiving traditional rulers under the auspices of the Oyo State Council of Obas, led by the Olubadan of Ibadan, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, at the State House. He noted that the gallantry of security personnel, combined with the support and prayers of traditional rulers and Nigerians, contributed to the successful resolution of the Oriire abduction saga.
Oriire Rescue and Refusal to Negotiate
President Tinubu congratulated the traditional rulers on the success of the Oriire rescue, saying the outcome would not have been possible without their support and prayers. He pledged to relay their message of commendation to the men and women of the armed forces for what he described as an excellent performance.
“We refused to negotiate. These criminals wanted us to review the release from detention of members of their criminal gangs that were already arrested. That was one of their conditions, aside from the money they’re looking for. And I said, ‘no deal,’ we are not going to negotiate with criminals. They committed murder,” President Tinubu said. He also pointed out that some of the perpetrators are non-Nigerians, highlighting the spillover of insecurity from Mali, Burkina Faso and the Niger Republic as an additional challenge.
State Police and Forest Guards
The President used the occasion to address concerns about the proposed establishment of state police, assuring that checks and balances would be put in place to prevent abuse. “There will be state police. That state police will have guardrails from abuses. We’ll protect it from abuses, and you traditional rulers too will have roles to play,” he stated.
He also disclosed plans to enhance the capacity and capability of forest guards, transforming their role beyond chasing antelopes and animals. “We are going to have them chase the criminals and deal with them in various forests,” President Tinubu assured. He further stressed the importance of intelligence and vigilance, urging Nigerians to be extra watchful and to report strange people and occurrences in their communities.
Economy and Infrastructure Advice
On the economy, President Tinubu said the situation has greatly improved, with state governors now receiving substantial allocations compared to when he was a governor. He noted that no governor currently borrows money to pay salaries. He encouraged traditional rulers to advise their governors to focus more on quality infrastructure such as roads and artery networks to enhance the quality of life and improve security access, rather than building flyovers in areas without significant traffic.
Olubadan’s Remarks and Support
In his remarks, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, expressed gratitude to the President for the Oriire rescue and the successes recorded so far in his administration. He called for true federalism, saying it would accelerate development in each zone, and added that the creation of regional commissions would fast-track regional progress.
Oba Ladoja declared support for the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying, “We believe in your Renewed Hope Agenda. It is clear you are Renewing our Hope in infrastructure and fixing our abandoned roads. We traditional rulers must ensure this administration completes its tenure. We know it’s a difficult job, and we are ready at any point in time to give you our own opinion, our own advice, and also our own prayers.” He also requested that traditional rulers be given recognition in the constitution by allotting them specific roles.
Delegation and Officials at the Meeting
The delegation of traditional rulers included the Aare Ago of Ogbomoso, High Chief S. Otolorin; the Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; the Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Abioye Basiru Olalekan; the Alajawa of Ajawa, Oba Adeyeye Oyetunji; the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao; the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri III, and Mogaji Wole Arisekola.
Also present at the meeting were the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe; Chairman of the Nigerian Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare.
