Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for Oyo Central Senatorial District, has called for constitutional reforms to empower state governors with direct authority over military operations in their states to tackle insecurity.

Ajadi urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to amend relevant laws to enable governors to exercise greater control over security agencies operating within their jurisdictions.

“Mr President and the National Assembly should make it law that governors have constitutional powers to deploy the army against insecurity without Federal Government intervention,” he said.

He argued that the rising cases of kidnapping, banditry and violent crimes across the country underscore the need to restructure Nigeria’s security architecture.

Ajadi referenced comments by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who had repeatedly stated that although governors are regarded as chief security officers of their states, they lack operational control over the military and other federal security agencies.

According to him, governors are often held accountable for security failures despite lacking the constitutional powers needed to effectively combat criminal activities.

The APM chieftain spoke while reacting to the recent abduction of pupils, teachers and residents in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident as a reminder of the country’s deepening security crisis.

“No government can claim success when citizens live under the constant threat of kidnapping, banditry and violent attacks,” he said.

Ajadi maintained that despite increased revenues from the removal of fuel subsidy, Nigerians have yet to see significant improvements in security.

He called on the President and the National Assembly to collaborate on reforms that would grant governors greater authority over security operations.

The politician also expressed concern over the increasing cases of kidnapping and violent crimes in the South-West, stressing the need for improved intelligence gathering, stronger security operations and a more decentralised security framework.

According to him, local security outfits and state authorities would perform more effectively with enhanced collaboration among security agencies and quicker emergency response mechanisms.

Ajadi also criticised what he described as the politicisation of insecurity, warning political actors against exploiting tragic incidents for partisan gains.

He condemned comments attributed to former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, alleging that the Oyo State Government orchestrated recent abductions to embarrass President Tinubu.

“The allegation should be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians. Fayose should not use insecurity for politics,” he said.

Ajadi urged political leaders to focus on securing the release of victims and preventing future attacks rather than engaging in blame games.

He warned that insecurity remains a major threat to economic growth, agriculture, education, investment and social stability.

“Without security, businesses cannot thrive. Investors will not commit resources to environments where lives and investments are not protected. Farmers cannot safely cultivate their lands, and traders cannot move goods freely,” he said.

He added that rising incidents of kidnapping, banditry and violent attacks have discouraged investment, tourism and economic activities in many parts of the country.

To address the challenge, Ajadi called for the recruitment of more security personnel, deployment of modern surveillance technology, stronger intelligence networks, improved welfare for security operatives, enhanced border security and closer collaboration between federal agencies and state-backed security outfits.

He also advocated stricter sanctions against criminals and security personnel found collaborating with kidnappers, bandits and other criminal groups.

According to him, such officers should be arrested, investigated and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent.

“The safety of Nigerians must remain the foremost responsibility of government. Citizens should not live under the constant threat of kidnapping, banditry and violent attacks,” he added.

Ajadi described the Oriire abduction as evidence of a broader national security crisis that requires constitutional reforms, stronger institutions, improved intelligence gathering and renewed commitment by all levels of government to protect lives and property.