Former Presidential aide, Laolu Akande, has urged President Bola Tinubu to concentrate on greatly enhancing the state of human dignity in Nigeria in view of the recent upsurge in suicide bombings. Speaking on Channels TV’s “Inside Sources with Laolu Akande” on Friday, Akande underlined the importance of comprehensive steps to tackle terrorism and improve Nigerians’ quality of life.
“This sudden recurrence of suicide bombings is an unnerving reminder of the menace of terrorism in our country and we must continue diligence and comprehensive fights to deal with it sufficiently. No relenting,” Akande stated. He underscored the importance of addressing the underlying factors that contribute to such acts, particularly the socio-economic conditions that make individuals susceptible to extremist influences.
“We must significantly improve the human conditions of our people to make their consent to such offers of suicide bombing very unattractive, and unacceptable. We must fight misery as if it’s a war. We must do battle against ignorance, knowing that it poses an existential threat to the very idea of our nation. This is the reason why we clamour for an absolute priority for human capital development in our country,” he urged.
Akande also addressed the recent controversy surrounding President Tinubu’s relationship with the political North.
Allegations of discrimination against the North have sparked debates, with some commentators, including Senator Shehu Sani, claiming plans to unseat Tinubu in 2027 due to perceived biases. Akande referenced the vigorous defenses mounted by the Minister of State for Defense, the Minister of Defense, and Vice President Kashim Shettima, who have argued that President Tinubu has been equitable in his treatment of all regions.
“We would like to add that it is too early to conclude that the Tinubu administration is discriminating against the North or any part of the country in particular. As the Vice President, Senator Shettima said, such claims are being championed only ‘to cause disaffection’. Now, we don’t need disaffection now,” Akande stated.
He acknowledged that while there are indeed issues within the polity, it is essential for well-meaning Nigerians to focus on national unity and the pursuit of social justice for all citizens. Akande stressed the importance of giving the current administration time to demonstrate its commitment to fairness and development across the country.
“No doubt, there are issues in the polity and there will always be. But, well-meaning Nigerians must focus on the unity of our country and the pursuit of social justice for all Nigerians. Let us allow the administration to show itself. This is certainly no time for political grandstanding,” he said.
Reflecting on historical precedents, Akande pointed out the role of state governors in advocating for the welfare of the common man during the Second Republic. He highlighted how governors from the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) were instrumental in pushing for a minimum wage increase in the late 1970s, eventually leading to the federal government under President Shehu Shagari agreeing to a minimum wage of N125 in 1981.
“You will recall that in the Second Republic, it was actually the state Governors, especially those of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), who were the loudest on the issue of minimum wage for Nigerians and who offered then, N250 as minimum wage. It was a major campaign issue in 1979. The governors led that campaign. The federal government of the NPN [National Party of Nigeria] under President Shehu Shagari eventually agreed and announced a minimum wage of N125 in 1981. So, let our Governors take queue from that. Our Governors ought to be the ones in the forefront anytime we are advocating for the welfare of the common man,” Akande noted.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
