Comrade Abdulhakeem Adegoke Alawuje, the national president of the Yoruba Welfare Group, has voiced significant concerns regarding the apparent exclusion of retired military and security personnel from the political landscape in the Southwest region of Nigeria.
In a recent statement, Alawuje emphasized that this observation is not an attack on the current leadership but rather a call for reflection on the potential contributions of these distinguished individuals who have served the nation honorably.
Alawuje highlighted that the integration of retired military personnel into politics is not a practice limited to Northern Nigeria. He pointed out successful examples from the Middle Belt, citing influential figures such as former Senate President David Mark, retired General Tunde Ogbeha, and General T.Y. Danjuma.
These individuals, he noted, have been embraced in the political fold and have played vital roles in shaping both national and regional political discourse. Their presence has contributed to the strength and cohesion of the Middle Belt, raising the question of why the Southwest appears to overlook its own retired officers.
A recent meeting of the Southwest APC exemplified this exclusion, as no retired military or security officers were invited to participate.
Alawuje expressed concern that, despite the region’s history of producing high-ranking military officials—including service chiefs and inspectors general of police—there seems to be a disregard for the insights and expertise that these individuals could offer in governance and security matters.
He asserted that the military profession is widely acknowledged as one of honor, and retired personnel in many other parts of the country are afforded the respect and recognition they deserve.
This integration into political leadership is viewed as a natural extension of their commitment to the nation. Alawuje pointed out that many retired generals and high-ranking officers have represented Nigeria internationally and contributed to its defense and security.
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Contrasting the Southwest’s approach with that of Northern Nigeria, he emphasized that political leaders in the North have maintained close relationships with retired military personnel, effectively incorporating them into political processes. This strategy has resulted in notable political cohesion and strategic strength in the North.
Alawuje argued that the Southwest stands to gain from integrating retired military personnel into politics. Their wealth of experience, discipline, and understanding of national security issues could significantly enhance the region’s political structure.
He called for a reassessment of the current approach to involving these individuals, urging the political leadership of the Southwest to recognize and respect its retired military officers as valuable contributors to the region’s future.
In conclusion, Alawuje’s message is clear: the Southwest must take actionable steps to include retired military personnel in its political discourse, learning from the successful models in the Middle Belt and Northern Nigeria. By doing so, the region can strengthen its political structures and foster national unity.
