A frontline aspirant for the Oyo State House of Assembly, Ibadan South-West Constituency I, Hon. Faysol Oluwakemi, has reiterated that Nigeria’s growing insecurity cannot be effectively addressed until the country embraces true local government autonomy and fully operational state policing.
Speaking on Monday during an interaction with residents across various communities, Oluwakemi said that everyday Nigerians—farmers, traders, parents, and travelers—desire only one thing: the assurance of safety.
According to him, “People just want to feel safe. Farmers want to go to their farms without fear. Traders want to stay in their shops a little longer. Parents want their children to grow up in peace. Travelers want to move freely without danger. Nothing more.”
He noted that insecurity continues to rise because grassroots structures that should protect citizens have remained weak and underfunded.
“Local government autonomy must be sincere, not ceremonial”
Oluwakemi stressed that meaningful security reforms must begin with strengthening local governments, describing them as the closest institutions to the people.
“Local government autonomy must not be on paper. It must be sincere, practical, and people-centered. Without empowering the grassroots, no security architecture will work.”
He argued that when local governments have full administrative and financial freedom, they can respond faster to local threats, manage community-based intelligence, and build trust with residents.
Calls for structured and accountable state policing
The aspirant further emphasized the need for state police, insisting that security works best when it is local.
“People who understand a community can protect it better than outsiders. No central system can police every street in every state effectively,” he said, adding that properly structured, well-trained, and accountable state policing would drastically improve Nigeria’s internal security.
“This is not politics — it is common sense”
Oluwakemi maintained that advocating for these reforms is not driven by politics, but by the realities Nigerians live with every day.
“We all want a country where going out and returning home safely is normal, not a prayer point,” he said.
He expressed confidence that with sincerity from government, proper structures, and commitment from stakeholders, Nigeria can build a safer future.
