By SULEIMAN SHEHU

Security experts have identified injustice and lack of accountability as some of the factors contributing to insecurity in Nigeria.

The security experts stated this at the annual Ramadan lecture organised by the Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria (MULAN), Oyo State branch, on Sunday in Ibadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lecture has as its theme: “Security and Economy, Islamic Model for Accountable Leadership”.

The guest lecturer, Lt.-Col. A. Lawal , Acting Deputy Director of Islamic Affairs, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, said Nigeria was blessed with abundant resources, but lacked institutionalised accountability.

Lawal said that insecurity in Nigeria could not be addressed by military force alone, but by justice and institutional reforms.

He said that Nigeria’s security and economy must not be taken for granted.

According to him, it will be difficult for a nation with security challenges to experience economic development.

Lawal attributed kidnapping, banditry and other crimes in Nigeria to economic hardship confronting the masses.

He, however, said that it would take collective action of the citizenry to tackle insecurity and improve the economy.

On his part, the state Director, Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Rasheed Adelakun, called on Nigerian leaders to be accountable, trustworthy, and transparent to ensure the country’s security and prosperity.

Adelakun, represented by Mr Taofeek Hussan, a senior officer in the DSS, said leadership exists to serve the public’s welfare and not for personal gains.

Hussan said that therefore leaders must be answerable to those they lead to ensure their trust.

In his welcome address, the Oyo State MULAN Chairman, Alhaji Ismaila Saka, said the association’s core goals were to contribute to the entrenchment of justice and promotion of Islamic ideals.

Speaking at the forthcoming 2027 general election, Saka called on eligible Nigerians of 18 years and above to register and obtain their voter’s cards and vote for Godly and credible candidates.

He advised Nigerians against the sale of their votes as a pre-condition for voting candidates,stressing that doing so was a recipe for disaster.

“Voting for candidates whose only qualification for seeking public office is the depth of their pockets would only ensure the perpetuation of our economic and social malaise.

” Candidates must be voted for on the basis of competence, Godliness,and track records of performance in previous assignments or positions of responsibility,” he said.

The Chairman of the occasion, Sen. Sarafadeen Alli, said that with the amendment of the Electoral Act, power has now been taken away from politicians who plan to rig the election.

According to Alli, there is more confidence in Nigeria's electoral system and the electorate have now been empowered to decide and vote for those politicians who are ready to work.

In his remarks, Sen. Fatai Buhari, called on both Muslims and Christians to use the period of Ramadan and Lent to improve on their deeds and completely change persons even after fasting.

Dignitaries at the occasion included President of the Oyo State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Tajudeen Abdul-Ganiyu, Alhaji Lasu Sanusi SAN, Justice M.A. Adegbola, Justice Y.S Adekunle among others. (NAN)

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