EDITORIAL: The Symbol: 63 Years On!

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola who marks his birthday today has carried the burden of defending an alternative perspective to Nigeria’s perennially problematic landscape with remarkable fortitude. It cannot have being easy swimming in shark infested waters against the tide. We wish this remarkable performer who has just extended his brood with the arrival of another grandchild great decades ahead in continuing good health.

The past matters as we roadmap the future. The stellar performance as the Lagos State infrastructure czar and as a remarkably innovative and effective governor of the State of Osun, have already gone out of history and into legend. This harbingers well for the future.

Aregbesola believes tenaciously in social justice, in government for the benefits of the overwhelming majority and not just a few. He demonstrated this old fashioned commitment to the ethos of social democracy in eight path – breaking years in Osun.

It is important for us that he replicates the same pro – people reformist zeal at the center as the minister of internal affairs. Putting him in that ministry to effectively kick start overdue reforms was an inspired proposition by President Mohammadu Buhari.

We know that his humanitarian instincts will be brought in to achieve a civilising mission there. To paraphrase his mission statement on his assumption of office, the country is clearly “SET” for a new security agenda. This he is pursuing with a steady gait.

We are already seeing worthwhile reforms across the internal security landscape. The framework of a country’s internal security mechanism reflects the level of its civilisation and its democracy. We therefore look forward to a complete revamp in the years ahead as we work towards a more humane society. We wish Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola great achievements ahead.

 

Amotekun Is Proving Its Effectiveness

It is early days yet,
nevertheless here
in the State of Osun, the Osun State Western Nigeria Security Network Codenamed Amotekun is already performing up to expectations. 

The arrests of ten Chinese, three locals for illegal mining in Osun State justifies the raison d’être for setting up the outfit. The collaboration of the outfit with other security forces such as the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Navy, Police, DSS, NSCDC and immigration confirms the stragic imperative of the complimentary role Amotekun will play in the security framework.

The success of the operation is also a clear testimony of the commitment of the State governor Gboyega Oyetola in giving the security network the solid backing so vital for success. The up and doing Director – General of Amotekun, Osun State, Comrade Amitolu Shittu, has correctly pointed out that the commitment of the administration of Governor Oyetola’s administration to rid the state of economic saboteurs is not in doubt. Both Oyetola and Shittu deserve our appreciation. With this performance we are rest assured that the best is yet to come.