A retired General, Saliu Idowu Adebanjo has blamed the inaccessibility of former President Muhammadu Buhari as one of the reasons behind the failure of the nation to curb the waves of security challenges.
He also picked holes in the manner in which the outlawed Indegenous Peoples of Biafra and the Oodua Self Determination Group were agitating for freedom not minding the disintegration of the country.
Retired General Adebanjo stated this while delivering a lecture titled “Islam and Leadership Responsibilities” to mark the annual Shooting Star of Islam lecture at the premises of Ansarudeen Grammar School, Randle in Surulere area of Lagos.
He believes that sincere and open negotiation with major stakeholders could end the insurgency by Boko Haram in the north and civil disturbance by IPOB and the Eastern Security Network in the South East.
According to him, the new government led by President Bola Tinubu should quickly entrench participatory democracy which he said will endear good governance for economic growth, political stability and peace in the country.
General Adebanjo disclosed that other areas that required utmost attention for any government to succeed includes adherence to rule of Law which he faulted under Buhari, special youth programmes and adequate welfare for the citizens.
He said those in the positions of leadership should see it as that of trust that must be kept with the citizens and God adding people saddled with responsibility will render account in the hereafter.
On what should be roles of the citizens, the Lecturer opined the need for people to obey and respect the laws of the land as well as community development and voluntary payment of taxes.
According to him, the citizens role also include setting achievable agenda for government and constructive criticism of actions not in their best interest when necessary.
In his welcome address, the President of the group, Prince Jamiu Saka explained that the annual forum was to put on the front burner issues that affects the citizens along with appropriate solutions.
The forum also witnessed robust question and answer session where Dr Mustapha Alimi and host of members physically present and those who joined via Zoom engaged the Lecturer on grey areas.
