Former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), has called for a radical and comprehensive approach to tackling insecurity in Nigeria, stressing that the country must restore respect for law and order, strengthen law enforcement institutions and address the social values influencing citizens’ behaviour. Fashola spoke while delivering the keynote address at the 12th Triennial […]
Former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), has called for a radical and comprehensive approach to tackling insecurity in Nigeria, stressing that the country must restore respect for law and order, strengthen law enforcement institutions and address the social values influencing citizens’ behaviour.
Fashola spoke while delivering the keynote address at the 12th Triennial National Conference of Jama’at-ul Islamiyya of Nigeria, held at the organisation’s mosque in Magodo, Lagos.
The conference, themed “Nigeria’s Political Adventure, Insecurity and Need for More Radical Approach to Stability,” brought together Islamic scholars, members of the organisation’s leadership, women and youth leaders, as well as other stakeholders.
The conference also witnessed the launch of the Jama’at-ul Islamiyya Centenary School Project, aimed at strengthening the organisation’s schools and promoting quality education grounded in Islamic values.
Fashola said insecurity could not be solved simply by deploying more security personnel.
According to him, Nigeria must address the institutional, social and behavioural factors that continue to undermine stability.
He identified the restoration of law and order as the first major step towards achieving lasting security, urging Nigerians to embrace the principle that nobody should be above the law, regardless of political affiliation, religion or ethnicity.
He questioned the values being transmitted to younger generations, particularly attitudes towards law enforcement and obedience to legitimate authority.
He urged citizens to “reset” their mindset and develop greater respect for law and order.
The former governor also noted that misconduct by security personnel could damage public confidence in government because a uniform represents the authority of the state.
He therefore stressed that both security agencies and citizens had responsibilities in building an orderly society.
Fashola explained that government faced an enormous challenge in protecting citizens because it was expected to succeed almost all the time, while criminals needed only one opportunity to cause significant harm.
He said the imbalance demonstrated why government must remain effective in preventing, detecting and responding to crime.
He also identified drug abuse and youth idleness as major factors requiring urgent attention. He called for stronger preventive measures against substance abuse and greater investment in programmes that would engage young Nigerians productively.
Fashola cited the National Youth Sports Festival as an example of an initiative capable of bringing large numbers of young people together for constructive activities.
He argued that leaving hundreds of thousands of young Nigerians without meaningful engagement could create conditions that make them vulnerable to crime and other social problems.
On the proposed establishment of state police, Fashola said the idea should be viewed as an opportunity to build a new professional cadre within the public sector rather than merely increase the number of security personnel.
He advocated proper recruitment, training and professional development for officers who would serve in state police formations. According to him, policing should be treated as a professional career, just as Nigeria has developed professional cadres in engineering and medicine.
Earlier, the President of Jama’at-ul Islamiyya of Nigeria, Engr. Hashim Oyekan, described the conference as timely, given Nigeria’s security and socio-political challenges.
He stressed that stability could not be achieved through rhetoric alone but required justice, practical solutions and collective responsibility.
Oyekan said education remained a powerful instrument for social transformation and appealed to members, donors and guests to support the project as an investment in future generations.
The gathering also marked a leadership transition within Jama’at-ul Islamiyya of Nigeria.
Oyekan described leadership as an Amanah, or sacred trust, and expressed appreciation to members, scholars and the Executive Council for their support during his tenure.
He prayed for wisdom, strength and guidance for the incoming leadership as it takes the organisation forward.
