The Oluwo of Iwoland in Osun, Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has cautioned politicians against politicising insecurity in Nigeria. Mr Akanbi said this in a statement on Tuesday by Oluwo’s chief press secretary, Alli Ibraheem.

Mr Akanbi urged political actors who genuinely love Nigeria to collaborate with the government in tackling insecurity, stressing that no administration can successfully address security challenges without the support of citizens and key stakeholders.

The traditionalist expressed disappointment over what he described as routine condemnation of government efforts without constructive contributions.

He noted that insecurity in Nigeria has no political, ethnic, or religious colouration and called on leaders across party lines to embrace dialogue and offer practical solutions.

The traditional ruler described those exploiting insecurity for political gains as “political bandits”, restated that criminals do not attack based on political affiliation, ethnicity, or religion.

“National security and cohesion should be prioritised above political interests. The dignity of human lives lost to insecurity should not be subjected to political sentiment. It is disheartening to read reports of politicians politicising insecurity. This reflects political immaturity, insensitivity, and what I call political banditry. Most of those politicising insecurity are political bandits,” he said.

He added that victims of insecurity cut across all political parties, noting that banditry does not discriminate.

“I have not seen any justification for the politicisation of insecurity in Nigeria,” he said.

Mr Akanbi further stressed that no nation has successfully overcome insecurity without the cooperation of all stakeholders, including opposition leaders.

He expressed hope that key opposition figures would visit President Bola Tinubu to offer sympathy and present constructive solutions to address the security challenges.

“No patriot should take pleasure in the loss of fellow citizens. We must place human lives and dignity above political interests. Victims of insecurity come from all political backgrounds,” he said.

(NAN)