Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), made a striking announcement on Wednesday. He promised to personally lead Nigeria’s security efforts if elected president.
Sowore vowed to take direct charge of all security operations nationwide. He also committed to a complete overhaul of the country’s security architecture for better effectiveness.
Reports indicate that Omoyele Sowore shared these views during a Channels Television interview.
He addressed Nigeria’s worsening security crisis head-on.
Sowore: My Security Plan Beats Tinubu’s
Sowore outlined how he would handle security differently from President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
His approach promises hands-on leadership and major reforms to tackle ongoing threats.
He said he would fully embrace the constitutional responsibilities of the office, particularly as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
“If I’m the president today, as I’ve always said, the part of the presidency that says you are the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces is something that I’d take very seriously, and that will push me to the war front,” he said.
Sowore: Hands-On Security Leadership, No Weapons Needed
Omoyele Sowore made it clear that his hands-on approach to security wouldn’t involve him carrying weapons and being fully involve.
He emphasized a leadership role over combat duties.
Instead, Sowore plans to take direct command of all security operations across Nigeria.
This strategic oversight aims to drive real change in the nation’s defense systems.
“There will be front and back of every operation in the country.
I’m not saying I’m going to carry a gun, but I want to see my National Security Adviser every morning.”
I want to see all the army generals. I want to talk to them and motivate them,” Sowore added.
“I want to ensure that the equipment that we say we have purchased, I want to see them physically.
If I can’t see them physically, I want to see them virtually. I want to see that they are being put to use,” he said.
Sowore: Competence Over Recycled Generals for Security Chiefs
Sowore prioritizes competence, energy appointing security chiefs; vows ending recycling of retired officers entirely.
“I want to make sure that all the security chiefs are competent. Also, I would never use an IG of police that’s retired and tired who has nothing else to do.
I look for younger, highly motivated, well trained people to start the process of taking the security of the country seriously,” he stated.
According to him, a shift in leadership philosophy and security system would immediately influence criminal activities across the country.
“Even when criminals know that you have changed your security architecture, you have changed the mentality and the philosophy.
And they are hearing from the Commander-In-Chief of the armed forces in charge.
Because we don’t have anybody in charge of the Armed Forces as a Commander-In-Chief right now.
You will see that things will start changing,” he said.
Insecurity Tied To Economy, Social Welfare
The activist emphasised that security challenges cannot be separated from Nigeria’s economic and social realities, calling for a comprehensive approach.
“In addition to that, and I must say this, is that this cannot be divorced from other insecurities. So, there has to be social security. You have to provide employment for young people.
You have to make sure that our education system are active and absorbing young people,” he said.
Sowore also advocated and insisted increment in investment in critical social sectors.
“You have to invest in sports, in health. You have to invest across board, in processes that can engage people.
People that can bring about life that is suitable for people, so that they can value even life in general,” he added.
“You cannot have a police, for instance, where every time we are just shooting ourselves, you don’t have employment and you expect this will end,” he said.
He listed the absence of functional factories, quality schools, accessible healthcare and safe roads as factors contributing to insecurity.
Stressing that “all of these cannot be divorced from the general insecurity in the country.”
