…commends Ondo Gov on achievements, earth-shaking victory

• Nigeria needs decentralisation for effective governance, he insists

A United States-based Nigerian activist, Dr Charles Marindoti Oludare, has extolled the leadership qualities of Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, describing his composure in difficult moments as rare among politicians.

Oludare, a staunch advocate of good governance, stated that Aiyedatiwa’s ability to remain calm under pressure and navigate political turbulence without desperation is commendable.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Weekend Hope, the medic who is State Director of Contact and Engagement, Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation Foot Soldiers Independent Council (LACO-FSIC) noted that the governor’s resilience and strategic governance approach contributed significantly to his landslide victory in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary, which he described as ‘earth-shaking.’

“The government of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa faced significant challenges. However, he remained calm, a virtue that was quite novel to me,” he said.

“This is something I actually learnt from Governor Aiyedatiwa: that sometimes, in the midst of a storm, you just need to stay calm, and you will survive it.

“His policies and initiatives proved to me that he understands what he is doing and has the nation’s future at heart. Initially, my support for him stemmed from my strong opposition to bullying and a sense of duty. However, his actions in office solidified my support for his re-election.

“Thankfully, it was a flawless victory 18-0, the people have given him a mandate.

“Like the rejected stone that has become the cornerstone, he will be inaugurated on February 24 and, in the long run, the people will be better off for it.”

He further commended Aiyedatiwa’s achievements since assuming office, noting that his administration had prioritised infrastructural development, improved healthcare services, and enhanced security across the state.

According to him, “Governor Aiyedatiwa has demonstrated exceptional leadership by weathering the storm without losing focus. His composure during trying moments is a testament to his political maturity and governance acumen.”

Oludare also stressed the need for Nigeria to embrace decentralisation as a critical step towards effective governance, arguing that the current system is inefficient and hampers grassroots development.

“The way forward is not to reinvent the wheel. Every secure part of the world operates a decentralised security structure. In the past, Nigeria had regional police and judicial systems that were locally controlled, ensuring better security and governance,” he said.

He argued that a community-based security framework would be more effective, as officers would have personal stakes in maintaining law and order.

“If your children serve as policemen in your area, they would respond swiftly to security threats because they have personal stakes in the community’s safety. Conversely, a centralised system, where security personnel are deployed from distant locations, often leads to inefficiencies,” he said.

Oludare lamented that Nigeria’s security challenges are often only highlighted when major incidents occur, while countless cases of kidnappings and crimes in rural areas go unnoticed.

“With a decentralised security system, communities would be better equipped to manage their own safety, responding proactively to threats rather than relying on directives from Abuja,” he added.

The activist insisted that eliminating bandits and terrorists is not enough; rather, the people must be empowered to protect themselves. He advocated for a layered policing structure—comprising state, local, and regional forces—rather than a centralised model.

“This will bring governance closer to the people, ensuring quicker responses to challenges and more efficient resource management,” he noted.

He urged the National Assembly to prioritise constitutional reforms that would enable state and local governments to assume greater responsibility for security and governance within their jurisdictions.

“By trusting the people with their own security and governance, Nigeria can take significant strides towards stability and national development,” he concluded.

See full interview on pages 12 & 13