Renowned cleric and founder of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, has called on Nigerians to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s administration as it intensifies efforts to tackle the nation’s escalating security challenges.
Speaking on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Ashimolowo said the President’s recent directives signal a strong commitment to addressing insecurity and restoring stability across the country.
“Nigeria needs a turnaround. Let’s stand behind our President now that he has called for more policing and more soldiers,” he said. “Let’s raise the security level, make our people proud to be Nigerians. Let’s tap into the brains of our nation and also recognize global Africa.”
The KICC founder praised the resilience of Nigerians, describing them as “the toughest, strongest, boldest, and fearless,” and insisted that the country must support a leadership that is working to make things better.
His comments come as Nigeria continues to grapple with widespread insecurity, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping for ransom.
On Wednesday, President Tinubu declared a nationwide state of emergency on insecurity, announcing plans for massive recruitment into security agencies.
“Today, in view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces,” the President said in a statement he signed. He added that the police would recruit an additional 20,000 officers, raising the total intake to 50,000.
Ashimolowo voiced support for the President’s measures and further suggested that members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) be trained to contribute to national security efforts. However, he expressed reservations about the creation of state police, warning that such units risk becoming tools of intimidation in the hands of powerful individuals.
“All our NYSC guys should be trained,” he said. “The state police may work, but I tell you, it will end up becoming a personal army for somebody who will begin to use it at some point to terrorize others.”
Nigeria continues its struggle to overcome deep-rooted security threats, but Ashimolowo believes collective support for government initiatives remains key to restoring peace.
