‘Tunji Solomon
NOTHING IS new to Yorubaland, especially the art and science of insecurity. From the 1970s to 1980s and the perforated manifestations of insecurities in the 1990s, the Yorubas have always been at alert and able to contain the past threats and related matters. While this is ideal and commendable, The Coming Wave of Insecurity, which this piece is titled, not only brings before the inhabitants of the Southwest region of Nigeria – an issue they cannot but critically examine its pros and cons; but a responsibility confers on individuals, not only the administrators of the region in terms of governors, traditional rulers and the local chapters of the famous Amotekun security outfits.
SIMULTANEOUSLY, IT is interesting to say that the onus directly fall on the Aare Onakakanfo as the Generalissmo of Yorubaland, and the Yoruba speaking states should believe in themselves at this point in time: make efforts and sacrifices to utilise their resources to secure lives and property of their people. After all, as Roy T. Bennet once proclaimed: “Believe in your infinite potential. Your only limitations are those you set upon yourself.” This cannot be true or ideal than now!
HIS ROLES as the Generalissmo of Yorubaland didn’t happen as accident. Fate placed him there ahead of time like this. He actually deserved the position because time and years of his assumption of duties as Aare Ona Kakanfo have been able to vindicate him. Like Oliver Twist, there is more that lies ahead for Otunba Gani Adams, if the threats and the perforated presence of the insurgence and infiltrators in Yorubaland, are anything to go by.
AT THIS critical point in time, it is important to reiterate the significances of his position as Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland: a title more heavy than the responsibilities attached to it. In view of this insightful and critical understanding of the weight and size of the implications of negligence, the Yorubaland cannot but wake up to the task ahead, else, we give room and space to regret via belated cry. As Michel de Montaigne once affirmed: “Of all our infirmities, the most savage is to despise our being”.
WE HAVE walked this way before, we survived. We must not use old method in the new era. There is need to reposition and re-strategies, because our antagonists are not leaving any stone unturned in their bids to infiltrate us, unaware. The more those who are supposed to do the needful ponder on it, the more time runs away from us to the infiltrators’ benefits.
A STITCH in time, saves nine. The Yorubas are millions in number. The metaphoric context of the phrase “saves nine”, resides in the interpretation of the multitudes an action could affect or be affected by such inactions. While this is important for simplification and clarification, the other responsibilities fall on our Yoruba traditional institution, headed by the various Obas (Kings) in their domains. A house divided against itself cannot stand. It is time to unite against common enemies. This is not the time to give room to our differences to show, and, thereby, allow the infiltrators to wreck havoc on us and on Yorubaland. That will not taste delicious.
WHILE THERE is no doubt that many of our Obas are allegedly said to be business dealers with many cattle herders, the onus is on them to be sincere on the throne bequeathed to them by their forebears. There are instances of such Obas in history. You cannot eat your cake and have it at the same time. The throne is not for the pursuance of economic interests at the expense of your people. History has shown to us that when the centre cannot hold, things definitely will fall apart. Apologies to William B. Yeats and Chinua Achebe.
WHILE IT is expected that one bolt or nut may be missing in the attempts to take steps towards securing the Southwest region, it is better to make mistake than do nothing. This position is buttressed by Elbert Hubbard, who claims that: “The greatest mistake you can make in life is continually fearing that you’ll make one.” Let us make mistakes and learn from our mistakes, rather than be ravaged by those we supposed to conquer. The advantage is within us now.
COMMENDABLE AND outstanding as Amotekun is, it is vital to echo it more that Amotekun needs to be reinforced. While it is appreciated that the six Yoruba speaking states are united in purpose against insecurity by recruiting able bodied men and women into Amotekun outfit, it is not enough if their welfare and wellbeing are not adequately addressed. To whom much is given much is expected. There is need to let Amotekun security outfit be more attractive to youths to join, beyond the scope of unemployment as catalyst in the land.
MOREOVER, CHARITY, they say, begins at home. Thus, from their various home fronts, the onus is on them to reconcile where necessary just for security of lives and properties at this particular period of time, form committees and elderly meetings to support Amotekun and state government efforts, through their weekly reports or monthly reports on state of security in their domains. Government alone cannot do it. Amotekun alone cannot do it. It is a collective responsibility if we are going to have a Southwest of our dreams, in terms of security of lives, property and our future.
SIGNIFICANTLY, “WE can learn to feel good about ourselves not because we’re special and above average, but because we’re human beings intrinsically worthy of respect”, says Dr. Kristin Neff. In the same vein, the Southwest Nigerian states need to bring this assurance back to the fore-front of our existence. The Yorubaland is known for being proactive. There is no time to dwell on frivolities.
THOUGH THE tasks before the stakeholders ahead of time may be daunting and economically challenging, they cannot be intimidated by series and pockets of insurgent-influenced crimes and social disorders. They may be frustrated by certain stunts, but as Carrie Fisher said: “Stay afraid, but do it anyway. What’s important is the action. You don’t have to wait to be confident. Just do it and eventually the confidence will follow.” That sums it.
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Let federal government rain force Amotekun in support of others security agency.