Media Advocacy Attracted Federal Attention To Kwara, Not Political Will.

The Oodua Integrity Group has commended the level of awareness among Kwarans, particularly those in Kwara North, whose vigilance made it possible for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to come to their aid amid the onslaught by non-state actors.

Bolaji Bolarinwa, the North Central Liaison Attaché of the group, made this known during the visit of the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu. He stated that it was not the governor, senators, or emirs who drew attention to the situation, but rather the often underrated citizens who used their social media skills to attract national and international attention.

According to him, all the visits recorded so far, from the then Chief of Army Staff, now Chief of Defence Staff, to the incumbent Inspector General of Police were largely the result of sustained advocacy.

Vividly, advocacy made the Mahmuda terrorists’ invasion short-lived. Similarly, the Woro invasion and other threats received prompt attention because citizens continued to amplify their voices through media platforms.

The group also expressed appreciation to media outlets such as Arise TV, Farinwata TV, Trust TV, Radio Germany (both Hausa and English services), BBC, Tribune, and others whose publicity of the incidents helped bring national attention to the situation.

They noted that in a country where people are only heard when they “blow their trumpet,” the reality is unfortunate but undeniable.

The group also used the opportunity to call on the new Inspector General of Police to call the Kwara State Police Command to order over the continued intimidation of some citizens in Shiya community under Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State.

According to the group, residents of the community are allegedly being intimidated, reportedly at the instance of the Emir of Okuta, simply because they refused to support the installed community chief. They questioned why everyone should be expected to share the same opinion or political alignment.

Since the Inspector General has declared that the era of impunity is over, the group urged him to begin by ensuring that the Kwara State Police Command acts professionally and stops any form of intimidation.

While the Commissioner of Police in the state is said to have demonstrated good intentions, sources suggest that some unscrupulous officers may be undermining his efforts. The group insisted that such actions must be curtailed.

They emphasized that their advocacy is driven by the need to defend the rights and freedoms of all citizens. As such, they called for an immediate end to the incessant arrests in Shiya community of individuals perceived to support the opposing contestant to the traditional stool.

Justice, they stressed, must not be one-sided.

The group expressed confidence that the Inspector General of Police will act appropriately on the matter.

They also called for increased security presence in the community, noting that Shiya is an ancient town with historical significance and shares a border with the Republic of Benin, making security vigilance particularly important.