Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, has vowed to take the reins of Nigeria’s security operations if elected president. In a recent interview on Channels Television, Sowore expressed his frustration with the current state of insecurity in the country and outlined his plans to tackle it.
As Commander-in-Chief, Sowore promises to take a hands-on approach, working closely with security agencies to ensure the country is safe for all. “I’ll be at the forefront, leading from the front,” he declared. While he won’t be carrying a gun, he’ll be meeting with his National Security Adviser and top military brass daily, motivating them to take decisive action against criminals.
Sowore is adamant about accountability, particularly in defence spending. He wants to see proof of equipment purchases and ensure they’re being used effectively. Competence will be key in appointing security chiefs, with younger, motivated, and well-trained individuals leading the charge.
A change in leadership and security philosophy, Sowore believes, will send a strong message to criminals and have an immediate impact on insecurity. “When they know someone is in charge, someone who means business, things will start changing,” he said.
But Sowore knows security isn’t just about law and order; it’s also about addressing social and economic challenges. Unemployment, education, healthcare, and infrastructure are all intertwined with insecurity. “You can’t have a police force shooting themselves and expect things to change without addressing the underlying issues,” he emphasized.
Sowore advocates for investing in social infrastructure, sports, and health, to give young people opportunities and a stake in their future. By tackling these broader issues, he believes Nigeria can build a safer, more prosperous society. As he puts it, “When people have a reason to value life, they’ll be less likely to turn to crime.”
