By Abdulsamad Abdulmalik
Public affairs analysts, Alhaji Abdulraheem Saka and Mallam Gidado Ibrahim, have raised concerns over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, weak governance structures, and persistent public health challenges, calling for urgent and coordinated action.
Speaking during SBS FM newspaper review program, monitored by reporter Abdulsamad Abdulmalik, the analysts stressed the need for stronger collaboration between traditional institutions and government authorities to tackle insecurity.
Alhaji Saka noted that traditional rulers remain closest to the grassroots and can play a critical role in intelligence gathering.
“There must be effective synergy between traditional rulers and the government. Security cannot be left to the authorities alone,” he said.
Mallam Ibrahim, while supporting the position, described Nigeria’s intelligence system as weak but commended recent efforts by the Alaafin to strengthen community security awareness.
He added that poor implementation of constitutional provisions has allowed criminal activities to persist.
“Many criminals continue to operate freely due to systemic failures. There has to be stronger collaboration between local and federal authorities,” he said.
Saka also lamented the reluctance of citizens to share useful information with security agencies, urging increased sensitisation and civic responsibility.
“Security should be seen as a collective responsibility. People must be willing to provide timely information,” he added.
On public health, the analysts highlighted malaria as a major concern, linking its prevalence to poor environmental sanitation.
Mallam Ibrahim called for more proactive government intervention, while Saka described malaria as both preventable and treatable, noting that its persistence reflects gaps in both governance and public response.
The discussion also addressed economic issues, particularly Nigeria’s borrowing practices.
Saka criticised the lack of transparency in the utilisation of borrowed funds, while Ibrahim argued that weak internal structures and poor accountability remain the core challenges undermining development.
“Borrowing is not the problem; accountability is,” Ibrahim said.
In conclusion, Saka urged the government to improve governance and ensure that the benefits of key policies, including fuel subsidy removal, are felt by citizens.
He noted that Nigerians are increasingly demanding tangible outcomes that reflect improved living conditions.
