Tinubu has calmed frayed nerves, say Sagay, Ubani, others

All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu got kudos on Wednesday for his position on the formation of security outfit – Amotekun by Southwest Governors Forum.

Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) Chairman Prof Itse Sagay (SAN) yesterday backed the call by All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu for dialogue on Amotekun.

He said: “I think dialogue is always to be encouraged. I think it’s a good idea. All of us in this country have a stake in promoting security.

“The number one duty of any government is the promotion of security.

“So, there is no reason the Federal Government, which is interested in promoting security as one of its main duties, and the state governments, which also have the same duties, cannot get together to enhance security.

“They should not look at each other with suspicion but should work together. That’s the way I see it.”

Professor Albert Olawale of the University of Ibadan (UI) lauded Tinubu for examining the issues “scientifically” and for coming up with enduring solutions. He said the former governor of Lagos State apportioned blames to both the Southwest governors and the Federal Government.

Olawale, a professor of Conflict resolution , said Tinubu applied Yoruba traditional approach in conflict resolution.

He said “what Tinubu did was to let the two parties in the conflict realise their mistakes. That there is something that the Federal Government did that was wrong and where the governors failed to do the needful.

“With Tinubu’s statement, wisdom has prevailed; he has addressed the issue scientifically. He acted in a very wise manner. His statement will cool down the frayed nerves. All sides to the controversy have a lesson to learn.”

Former National Vice President, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Mr Monday Ubani described the Tinubu’s position as commendable. According to him, “the APC stalwart took a persuasive stance that would not engender more crisis. The statement was neither provocative nor aggressive. It has calmed down the frayed nerves”.

Ubani advised both the Federal Government and the Southwest governors to agree and work out the modality for the incorporation of Amotekun into the security apparatus instead of heating up the polity.

“I am in support of Amotekun so far the modality conforms with the constitutional provision on security of lives and property. Any initiative that will enhance the capacity of security operatives should be embraced”, Ubani stated.

Chairman, Senate Committee, on Diaspora, Non-Governmental Organisation andCivil Society Organisation, Senator Ajibola Basiru, described Tinubu’s statement as apt, objective and dispassionate. He said Tinubu was right in supporting the establishment of the security network.

Basiru said “it was unfortunate that a section of the opposition are expecting Tinubu- a nationalist and a statesman- that had laboured for the development and unity of this country to be seeing such important issue as security from the point of view of ethnic jingoism. Reading through his position one cannot but marvel at his deep retrospection in coming up with a well-written response to a touchy issue. The response characterises his candour and forthrightness in addressing national issues with calmness and wisdom”.