Senator Adams Oshiomhole has urged President Bola Tinubu to impose strict deadlines on service chiefs to eliminate national security threats, describing persistent violence as the primary obstacle to the President’s political future.
Speaking on TVC News on Monday, the Edo North lawmaker asserted that while key macroeconomic reforms are already in place, addressing security remains crucial ahead of next year’s election. He called for clear benchmarks to hold military leaders strictly accountable.
Oshiomhole pointed to expanding military divisions and recruiting 20,000 additional personnel as proof of a changing strategy. He also commended the Department of State Services for appealing a court verdict that commuted death sentences to life imprisonment for convicted offenders, warning that judges must follow the law rather than personal sentiment.
Turning his focus to law enforcement, the former governor faulted Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu for appearing hesitant regarding the force’s engagement guidelines. Questioning why the police chief seemed defensive after the Force clarified that Force Order 237 governs firearms deployment rather than a “shoot-on-sight” policy, Oshiomhole maintained that officers should act decisively: “Shoot at sight. If you see a criminal, shoot on sight.”
Oshiomhole dismissed claims that President Tinubu lacks public visibility, noting his frequent attendance at meetings, forums, and discussions on national affairs. He embraced political debate as a vital sign of democracy, stating, “if they cast a stone, we have a right to return that stone.”