Obasa to Nigerians: collaborate with the government in the fight against insecurity; praises Tinubu’s proactive reforms

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, has called on Nigerians to view citizenship as a sacred covenant that requires active participation in building peace, unity and security across the country, urging them to partner with government to address insecurity.

President Obasa made this appeal during the 17th Annual Hijrah and Du’a Conference held at the Assembly Complex, Alausa, Ikeja, on Wednesday, June 24.
Speaking on the topic “Sacred Covenant of Citizenship: Islam, Security and Our Duty to the Nigerian State”, Obasa stressed that insecurity is not solely the responsibility of government, but a shared duty between leaders and citizens.

“Security is one of Allah’s greatest blessings. Without it, worship is disrupted, trade collapses and education suffers. But security is not just a duty of government. It is a shared responsibility. Citizens must report crimes, resist corruption and promote justice. Leaders must govern with fairness, transparency and compassion. Together we form the compact of citizenship,” Obasa said.

The President drew on the teachings of the Quran to highlight the importance of justice, unity and obedience to legitimate authority. He reminded Nigerians that diversity is a divine blessing meant to foster cooperation, not division. “Citizenship is the bond that unites us beyond tribe and religion. Our duty to Nigeria is to overcome divisions, see ourselves as one people and work together for peace and progress,” he noted.

Speaker Obasa also praised the ongoing efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, saying: “His government has undertaken reforms aimed at stabilizing our economy, strengthening national security and promoting unity among our diverse communities. These efforts, however, cannot succeed on their own. They require the active support, cooperation and sacrifice of every citizen.”

Contributing to the speech, one of the guest speakers, Air Commodore (Imam) Lukman Abiodun Lawal, aligned himself with Obasa’s position, stressing that government alone cannot solve the problem of insecurity.

He urged human rights activists to carry out their activities wisely and called on the media to improve their reporting by avoiding sensationalism that plays into the hands of criminals. Commodore Lawal also encouraged young Nigerians to pray fervently for the country and the military, stressing that spiritual support is as vital as civic responsibility in tackling insecurity.

The event was attended by scholars, clerics, government officials and citizens, with guest speakers including Air Commodore (imam) Lukman Abiodun Lawal, Sheikh Adurrahmeen Abdullah Salaty Albaarizy and Sheikh Ahmad Bukhari (Al-Mukhtar).