…….First Lady Assured Ekiti Monarchs As Obas Seek Tougher Kidnapping Law, Back State Police.
FIC Report (Ekiti State) – First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unshakeable commitment to securing lives and property, saying the administration is deploying a stronger internal security plan and deepening alliances with developed nations to crush terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
Senator Tinubu gave the assurance on Saturday while meeting the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers at Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti, during her one-day working visit to the state.
The First Lady, accompanied by Vice President’s wife, Hajia Nana Shettima, Ekiti First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, other State First Ladies, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye and senior government officials, said the President has entered partnerships with the United States and other developed countries while intensifying internal measures against criminal networks.
“It is disheartening that we have this insecurity. A lot of foreign countries are helping our nation. The US and some other developed countries are helping us in this matter. Some of those terrorising us are non-Nigerians. No matter what happens, we shall overcome, Nigeria is too great to be intimidated,” she told the monarchs.
She stressed that President Tinubu works round the clock on security, often into the early hours, and urged Nigerians to remain prayerful.
“Challenges will come, but collectively, we can tackle them. I can assure you, the President is working to get this matter resolved,” she said.
Senator Tinubu thanked the traditional rulers for their support for both the President and Governor Biodun Oyebanji, describing it as an impetus for good governance.
“Your domains shall be peaceful by the grace of God. Long may you reign,” she said.
On her Renewed Hope Initiative, the First Lady disclosed that an ultra-modern ICT centre had been built at Ekiti State University to boost digital education, alongside N200 million in prizes for undergraduates to expand scholarships. She added that 2,000 traders had received N50,000 each, while elderly persons, vulnerable groups and people living with disabilities were also being supported.
“I didn’t only come here to support Governor Oyebanji and the APC Women Campaign Council, I am here to thank you for the love you have shown to Mr President in Ekiti State,” she said.
In response, the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers called for an urgent review of the country’s anti-kidnapping and terrorism laws to impose stiffer penalties on offenders. The monarchs also urged the President to expedite the creation of state police.
Chairman of the Council and Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado who spoke on behalf of other traditional rulers said: “No country is devoid of criminals. But there should be a review of laws dealing with insecurity. All those aiding and abetting kidnapping, we have not seen any punitive measures being taken against them. There should be a review of the laws dealing with these murderers.”
Oba Adu-Alagbado further urged that the bill for state police be fast-tracked.
“Our people are not cowards, but our hands are tied, because our people can’t carry AK-47 to face these criminals,” he said.
The monarch praised President Tinubu’s difficult and tasking policies to address national challenges, declaring the council’s total support.
“He is a special man ordained by God. We knew about the obstacles. He is our son and we are proud of him–one that is doing wonders,” he added.
Oba Adu-Alagbado commended the First Lady’s nationwide interventions under the Renewed Hope Initiative, noting its reach across all geopolitical zones.
“We heard about you when you were in the Senate, how you transformed Lagos Central. You have touched the lives of our people,” he said.
The monarch also lauded the President for his “fatherly role” toward Governor Oyebanji, stressing that Ekiti traditional rulers remain firmly behind the administration.
Ayeni Omoniyi
CIA&PRO
31/05/2026.
