Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has assured Nigerians of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's unwavering commitment to the security of lives and property through a stronger internal security plan and the building of security alliances with developed nations.
Speaking on Saturday during her engagement with Ekiti State traditional rulers at Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti, Senator Tinubu stated that President Tinubu has entered into partnerships with developed countries, including the United States of America, and is taking internal security measures to crush those terrorizing the country and fueling killings and kidnappings across the geopolitical zones.
Addressing the monarchs, the First Lady described the horrendous cases of kidnappings, banditry, and killings as highly disheartening. She revealed that the President is committed to making the country safe for all citizens and that many efforts are ongoing to further secure the nation and eradicate criminality, though these cannot be disclosed publicly.
Senator Tinubu thanked the traditional rulers for their support for President Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji, noting that this support has been a vital impetus driving the two leaders to give their best in terms of commitment to good governance.
“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 terrorizing us are non-Nigerians. No matter what happens, we shall overcome; Nigeria is too great to be intimidated,” she said.
“Let us bear in mind that we have a great country. Challenges will come, but collectively, we can tackle them. I can assure you, we don’t have Mondays or Sundays; the President is working round the clock to get this matter resolved. At times, Mr. President will sleep at 3:00 am, and God has been faithful. Let us be prayerful about our nation. It is prayers that have taken us this far.”
She added, “We want to thank Ekiti people for the tremendous support they are giving the President. Kabiyesi, I thank you immensely for your love and care for Mr. President and Governor Oyebanji.”
Cataloguing what her initiative has done in Ekiti State, Senator Tinubu said the Renewed Hope Initiative, her brainchild, has built an ultra-modern ICT center at Ekiti State University to boost digital education for youths, while also endowing prizes worth N200 million for undergraduates to broaden the scope of scholarship schemes at the institution.
The First Lady added that her initiative has empowered another 2,000 traders with N50,000 each to engage them in trading, while hundreds of elderly people, vulnerable groups, and persons living with disabilities are being helped to raise their living standards through fruitful engagements under the current economy.
“Kabiyesi, I didn’t only come here to support Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the APC women campaign council; I am here to thank you for the love you have shown to Mr. President in Ekiti State. I am humbled that you are all here and waited patiently. Your domains shall be peaceful by the grace of God. Long may you reign,” she said.
The Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, called for an expeditious review of the kidnapping law to stipulate strict punitive actions for those fanning the embers of crime in the land.
Oba Adu-Alagbado also called on President Tinubu to fast-track actions on the creation of state police, so that each state can have a stronger security architecture capable of dealing decisively with criminal elements terrorizing the country.
The monarch applauded the President’s wife for the respect and honor shown to the traditional rulers, saying this would remain indelible in the annals of history. He also applauded the difficult and challenging policies being initiated by President Tinubu to tackle the multifaceted problems facing the country, stating that the entire traditional council is solidly behind his administration.
“Your Excellency, you are welcome to Ekiti State. We have had in the past the wife of a president who championed a better life program, but for Senator Oluremi Tinubu, you have taken your better life program under Renewed Hope Initiative to the Northeast, Northwest, Southwest, and every part of the country. You have touched the lives of our people. We heard about you when you were in the Senate. We heard about how you transformed the lives of Lagos Central that you represented,” he said.
“We thank the President through you for the affection he has shown for our governor. Our governor has always been praising him for his fatherly role. Our message to the President is that we are with him totally. He is a special man ordained by God.”
“We knew about the obstacles. We knew how he has been tackling them. He is our son, and we are proud of him, not just a son, but one who is doing wonders and making us proud.”
“No country is devoid of criminals. But there should be a review of laws in the country dealing with the issue of insecurity. Kidnapping has been on for some time. All those aiding and abetting kidnapping have not seen any punitive measures taken against them. There should be a review of the laws dealing with these murderers.”
“The bill for the creation of state police should be fast-tracked. Our people are not cowards, but our hands are tied because our people cannot carry AK-47 to face these criminals,” he concluded.
