- The elder statesman said banditry and insurgency are being sponsored by various interests determined to undermine the country
- Opadokun further alleged that meetings involving local and foreign actors had taken place years ago to plan the destabilisation of Nigeria
- The NADECO chieftain stressed that beyond force, national stability requires justice, inclusiveness and open dialogue
Afenifere chieftain and former NADECO leader, Ayo Opadokun, has alleged that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity is the result of deliberate planning by destabilising forces, rather than a coincidence.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Opadokun made the claim on Sunday in Kwara State while speaking after his installation as Grand Patron of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Offa Local Government chapter.
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The elder statesman said banditry and insurgency are being sponsored by various interests determined to undermine the country, warning that non-state actors now possess weapons more advanced than those of the regular armed forces.
He claimed that the Federal Government had previously been cautioned about the dangers of allowing such a situation to persist, but failed to act decisively at the time.
Opadokun further alleged that meetings involving local and foreign actors had taken place years ago to plan the destabilisation of Nigeria, insisting that current events are the outcome of those decisions.
He urged the government to intensify its fight against insecurity and show zero tolerance for criminal groups and their sponsors.
Commenting on economic reforms, Opadokun commended President Bola Tinubu’s policy direction, particularly recent tax reforms, which he said signal a move toward fiscal federalism.
He, however, noted that while economic indicators may appear positive, the benefits must translate into improved living conditions for ordinary Nigerians.
The NADECO chieftain stressed that, beyond force, national stability requires justice, inclusiveness, and open dialogue, adding that the true test of governance lies in restoring dignity and hope to citizens.
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