Nigeria Needs a Complete Reset, Not Reforms, Says Makinde

Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples' Movement, Seyi Makinde, has stated that Nigeria needs a complete reset, not just reforms, to progress. He made this declaration during a live political program on Jay FM radio station in Jos, Plateau State, ahead of the flag-off of his party's 2027 presidential campaign. Makinde emphasized that the economy is the foremost priority, and its performance should be measured by the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.

Makinde explained that reforms would not work in the current environment, citing the analogy of a computer system that needs to be rebooted. He stressed that the economy must work for everybody, not just a select few, and that the focus should be on creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and provide employment opportunities for Nigeria's youthful population. He also called for greater investment in skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, education, and intensive production.

The governor promised to decentralize Nigeria's security architecture through the establishment of state police if elected president in 2027. He believes that state police would enable governors to respond more effectively to security challenges in their respective states. Makinde recalled that he had advocated for state police shortly after assuming office in 2019, following growing security concerns across the country. He noted that some states were initially hesitant due to financial constraints.

Makinde highlighted the success of the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, which was established by governors in the South-West as an alternative security arrangement. He described Amotekun as a compromise between having full-fledged state police and having nothing. The governor expressed confidence that state police could be implemented with appropriate safeguards to address concerns about potential misuse.

The governor linked insecurity to the absence of economic opportunities for young Nigerians, warning that failure to provide a clear future for the country's growing youth population could worsen security challenges. He noted that Nigeria's population is projected to exceed 300 million, with more than 70 percent expected to be below 34 years old. Makinde stressed the need for deliberate policies to harness the potential of young people.

Makinde drew parallels with the pre-independence era in the South-West region, where self-governance was allowed, and people were permitted to develop at their own pace. He suggested that states should be allowed to establish state police if they are ready and have put the necessary safeguards in place. The governor also recalled his stance during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he declined to impose a total lockdown in Oyo State due to concerns about the impact on vulnerable populations.

Makinde's comments highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing Nigeria's challenges. His proposed reset agenda focuses on the economy, security, and harnessing the potential of young people. The governor's advocacy for state police and decentralization of security architecture reflects his commitment to finding solutions that are tailored to the unique needs of individual states.

Key points

• Makinde advocates for a complete reset of Nigeria's system, citing the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the country's challenges.
• The governor proposes decentralizing Nigeria's security architecture through the establishment of state police to enable governors to respond more effectively to security challenges.
• Makinde emphasizes the need for economic opportunities and investment in skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, education, and intensive production to harness the potential of Nigeria's youthful population.