Insecurity: Former Ogun Chairmanship Aspirant, Akinwande Calls for Massive Security Recruitment

A former chairmanship aspirant for Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Engr. Gbenga Akinwande, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to adopt urgent and pragmatic measures to address the growing insecurity and economic hardship facing Nigerians.

In an open letter dated June 3, 2026, and addressed to the President through the Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Akinwande expressed concerns that worsening security challenges and economic difficulties were fueling public dissatisfaction across the country.

According to the letter, the situation has generated resentment toward the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with many citizens reportedly considering voting against the party in the 2027 general elections.

Akinwande proposed the creation of regional combatant command forces across the six geopolitical zones of the country, comprising personnel from the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilante groups.

He explained that the recent developments in Nigeria's security situation require the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to adopt more urgent and practical measures to prevent a major national crisis. 

In the letter, Akinwande suggested that each regional security command should be headed by a brigadier-general or equivalent officer and staffed predominantly by personnel from the respective regions.

The former chairmanship aspirant also advocated enhanced whistleblower programmes, increased highway surveillance, deployment of local vigilantes and forest guards, as well as mass recruitment into the military, police and other security agencies.

"Rather than establishing state police, we should create more police stations, recruit more mobile policemen and forest guards, and provide adequate operational equipment to support their activities," Akinwande said.

He further called for improved welfare packages for security personnel, arguing that it was a security risk for officers to personally fund uniforms, operational logistics and equipment.

Drawing parallels with Nigeria's political history, Akinwande referenced the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo's warning to former President Shehu Shagari during the economic downturn of the early 1980s.

"The insecurity situation in the country is beginning to propel many Nigerians to agitate for military intervention in governance. It is important that the President rises urgently to the occasion to prevent a repeat of the 1983 occurrence," he warned.

On economic reforms, Akinwande proposed the appointment of six regional ministers to coordinate administrative and economic activities across the geopolitical zones. He also advocated direct labour programmes through local governments to create jobs and stimulate economic activities at the grassroots.

Addressing the rising cost of living, he urged the Federal Government to explore measures that would reduce the pump price of petrol to about N600 per litre.

"To reduce the present economic hardship in the country, it will be in the interest of our party and the Yoruba race integrity for the President to find a way to bring the pump price of petrol down to about N600 per litre," he stated.

Despite his concerns, Akinwande commended President Tinubu for undertaking bold economic reforms and confronting challenges that previous administrations had avoided.

"Your Excellency has done credibly well for our nation through the audacity of your bold initiatives and reforms. However, the economic hardship is real and hurting. Families have been depleted and these realities have created growing resentment and hatred for our party," he added.

The letter was also copied to elder statesman, Chief Olusegun Osoba, and Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.