Disturbed by the rising wave of insecurity across the country, the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, has called on the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive action to address what he described as a frightening national situation.
The legal icon expressed concern that many Nigerians now live in constant fear, unable to go about their daily activities without apprehension.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu’s administration must rise to the occasion and fulfil its primary constitutional obligation of safeguarding the lives and welfare of the people.
Babalola made the call at the weekend during an event at ABUAD marking the 16-Day Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign, organised in partnership with UN Women.
He lamented the growing attacks on schools and public institutions, warning that such incidents threaten national progress and development. He stressed that prioritising citizens’ welfare remains a critical part of tackling Nigeria’s security challenges.
Quoting the Constitution, he said, “Section 13 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, says the duty of the government is the welfare and safety of the citizens.”
He added, “I appeal to the Federal Government to focus on the safety of people on the farms, on the roads, and in the schools so that we can have a safe society. Many people are being killed, and everybody is afraid of going to work or to the farm. It’s not only violence against women and girls, but violence against all of us now.
“While I agree on the need to end violence against women and girls, the government should do more about the safety of all Nigerians.”
Babalola also reflected on the values upheld by ABUAD, noting that since its establishment more than a decade ago, there has never been a recorded case of sexual abuse or violation of any student.
He expressed satisfaction with the academic strides of young women, revealing that at ABUAD, nine out of every ten First-Class graduates are female.
While calling for stronger advocacy to end violence against women and girls, he emphasised the need for fair and just treatment of men and boys, stressing that violence affects all genders.
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of ABUAD, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to working with government agencies, the private sector, development partners, and multinational organisations to address issues affecting women and girls.
She assured that the institution will continue to promote proactive measures to safeguard vulnerable groups and build a safer society for all.
The post “Government Must Protect Nigerians” — Afe Babalola SAN Decries Growing Fear, Attacks On Schools And Public Institutions appeared first on TheNigeriaLawyer.