The Acting Deputy Director of Islamic Affairs, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Lt. Col. Adeleke Lawal, has attributed Nigeria’s security challenges to injustice, oppression, discrimination and abuse of power by public office holders.

Lawal made the assertion while delivering a paper titled “Security and Economy: Islamic Model for Accountable Leadership” at the annual Ramadan lecture organised by the Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria (MULAN), Oyo State chapter, in Ibadan.

The event featured Prof. Taofeek Yekeen of the University of Ibadan and Mr. Rasheed Adelakun, Director of the Department of State Services in Oyo State, as discussants.

Lawal argued that security and economic stability are interconnected and cannot thrive in an environment where injustice and corruption persist. He warned that monopolisation of economic power by a small group undermines national security and fuels social unrest.

He stressed that equitable distribution of resources and accountable leadership are essential to reducing poverty and other social challenges. “Security and economy are foundation pillars of civilization. When security collapses, economic life suffocates. When economic injustice spreads, insecurity multiplies,” he said.

According to him, moral corruption, bribery and abuse of office weaken institutions and erode public trust, creating conditions that allow insecurity to grow.

The guest speaker and other participants urged governments at all levels to address economic imbalances and strengthen accountability. A contributor also encouraged citizens to hold their elected representatives accountable, noting that electoral reforms have improved transparency in the political process and empowered voters to demand performance from leaders.