The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa has called on Nigerians to see citizenship as a sacred covenant that requires active participation in building peace, unity, and security across the country, while urging them to collaborate with the government to tackle insecurity.
Speaker Obasa made this call during the 17th Annual Hijrah Lecture and Du’a held at the Assembly Complex, Alausa, Ikeja, on Wednesday, June 24. Speaking on the theme “Sacred Covenant of Citizenship: Islam, Security & Our Duty to the Nigerian State”, Obasa emphasised that insecurity is not solely the responsibility of government but a shared duty between leaders and citizens.
“Security is one of the greatest blessings of Allah. Without it, worship is disrupted, commerce collapses, and education suffers. But security is not the government’s duty alone. It is a shared responsibility. Citizens must report crimes, resist corruption, and promote justice. Leaders must govern with fairness, transparency, and compassion. Together, we form the covenant of citizenship,” Obasa said.
The Speaker drew from Qur’anic teachings to highlight the importance of justice, unity, and obedience to lawful authority. He reminded Nigerians that diversity is a divine blessing meant to foster cooperation, not division. “Citizenship is the bond that unites us beyond tribe and religion. Our duty to Nigeria is to rise above divisions, to see ourselves as one people, and to work together for peace and progress,” he noted.
Speaker Obasa also praised the ongoing efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, saying, “His government has embarked on reforms aimed at stabilising our economy, strengthening national security, and fostering unity across our diverse communities. These efforts, however, cannot succeed in isolation. They require the active support, cooperation, and sacrifice of every citizen.”
Contributing to the discourse, one of the guest speakers, Air Commodore (Imam) Lukman Abiodun Lawal, aligned with Obasa’s stance, stressing that government alone cannot solve the problem of insecurity.
He urged human rights activists to carry out their activities with wisdom, and called on media houses to improve their reportage by avoiding sensationalism that plays into the hands of criminals. Commodore Lawal further encouraged Nigerian youths to pray fervently for the country and for the military, noting that spiritual support is as vital as civic responsibility in tackling insecurity.
The event was attended by scholars, clerics, government officials, and citizens, with guest speakers including Air Commodore (Imam) Lukman Abiodun Lawal, Sheikh Adurrahmeen Abdullah Salaty Albaarizy, and Sheikh Ahmad Bukhari (Al-Mukhtar).
