Table of Contents
- Call for Collaboration
- Holistic Approach to Security
- Necessity of Decentralization
- Intelligence Sharing with the US
The Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Think Yoruba First (TYF), has urged President Bola Tinubu to find a middle ground for effective collaboration with the United States.
The group encouraged the President to distinguish himself from his predecessors and resist the temptation to only address the symptoms when the root cause can be resolved.
This appeal comes in light of increasing security concerns and international responses to Nigeria's internal issues.
This information was shared in a statement by the group's Public Relations Officer, Ogbeni Oluwole Lewis, on Wednesday.
Lewis referred to a recent statement from US President Donald Trump, who threatened military intervention in Nigeria over what he termed “alleged genocide against Christians, particularly in Northern Nigeria,” accusing the Nigerian government of failing to take decisive action.
The group pointed out that foreign actors have long been blamed for contributing to instability in Nigeria and the broader Sahel region, emphasizing the necessity for the Nigerian government to reevaluate its internal and external security strategies.
“We must also encourage the President and his cabinet to adopt a comprehensive perspective on the various threats facing Nigeria today.”
Lewis contended that Nigeria’s centralized security framework is no longer viable, asserting that decentralization has become an urgent requirement.
“Decentralizing the security apparatus is vital to address issues related to manpower, response times, and intelligence gathering. Sub-national entities must be empowered to defend themselves without relying solely on federal forces. A rigidly centralized structure also facilitates coup attempts, as history has demonstrated,” he stated.
He also called on President Tinubu to collaborate closely with US security agencies when necessary, particularly in terms of intelligence sharing and the acquisition of advanced security equipment.
“There is no cost too great to secure the lives of our citizens. It is evident that we need all the assistance we can obtain, and pride must be set aside when lives are at risk. We must establish a middle ground for effective collaboration.”
What is the main message from Think Yoruba First regarding President Tinubu's approach to security?
The main message is for President Tinubu to seek effective collaboration with the United States and to adopt a comprehensive view of the security threats facing Nigeria, moving away from a purely centralized security approach.
Why does the group believe decentralization of security is necessary?
The group believes decentralization is necessary to improve manpower, response times, and intelligence gathering, allowing sub-national entities to defend themselves without solely relying on federal forces.
How does the group suggest Nigeria collaborate with the US?
The group suggests that Nigeria should work closely with US security agencies, particularly in intelligence sharing and acquiring advanced security equipment.
