Disturbed by the escalating insecurity across the country, the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, has urged the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive steps to tackle what he described as a frightening national situation.

The legal icon expressed deep concern that many Nigerians now live in fear, unable to go about their daily activities without apprehension.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu’s administration must rise to the occasion and fulfil its primary constitutional duty of safeguarding the lives and welfare of the citizens.

Babalola made the call at the weekend during an event held at ABUAD to mark the 16-Day Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign, organised by the institution in partnership with UN Women.

The elder statesman lamented the growing attacks on schools and other public institutions, warning that such incidents pose a grave threat to national progress and development.

He stressed that prioritising citizens’ welfare remains a critical part of addressing the hydra-headed security challenges confronting Nigeria.

Quoting the nation’s constitution, he said, “Section 13 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, says the duty of the government is the welfare and safety of the citizens.”

He continued, “I therefore appeal to the Federal Government to focus on the safety of people on the farms, on the roads, and in the schools, so that we can have a safe society. Many people are now being killed; everybody is afraid of going to work, to the farm. It’s not only violence against women and girls, but violence against me and you now.

“While I agree with you about ending violence against women and girls, the government should do more about the safety of all Nigerians.”

Speaking further, Babalola reflected on the values upheld by ABUAD, noting that since its establishment over a decade ago, there has never been a recorded case of sexual abuse or violation of any male or female student.

He expressed satisfaction with the academic strides of young women, revealing that at ABUAD, nine out of every ten First-Class graduates are female.

While calling for stronger advocacy to end violence against women and girls, he also emphasised the need for fair and just treatment for men and boys, stressing that violence affects all genders.

In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of ABUAD, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, reiterated the university’s commitment to collaborative efforts with government agencies, the private sector, development partners, and multinational organisations to address issues affecting women and girls.

She assured that the institution will continue to promote proactive measures to safeguard vulnerable groups and create a safer society for all. (Nigerian Tribune)