City Crime
Whither Security Of Nigeria?
The dismantling of the police unit called the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) by the Federal Government was as a result of the hues and cries of the youths over the recklessness of the unit. It was a speedy response to the hitherto peaceful protest of the youths.
The protesting youths had accused SARS of several criminal acts like extra-judicial killings, maiming of suspects and unfriendliness to the society in general. The hostility against the youth was palpable; artists with dreadlocks were often molested, intimidated and arrested. The scenario made every youth a suspect in the Nigerian nation.
The right to the freedom of expression protected by Section 39 and the right to dignity of human person protected by Section 34 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended were whittled down as the youths could not make tattoos on their bodies without risking arrest by the SARS operatives.
In spite of the fact that bail is free in Nigeria, SARS charged large sums of money as fees. Suspects were treated like culprits despite the fact that suspects or accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The SARS operatives were adjudged to have committed a hell of heinous crimes against Nigerians especially the youth.
But SARS was not bereft of virtues, it played a key role in the suppression of violent crimes in the society. In areas where other police units could not thread, SARS went with courage and strength. Hoodlums, cultists and other criminals dreaded SARS.
To most criminals, the ending of SARS is a welcome development as they have been granted unhindered access to perpetrate evil and wreak mayhem in the society. Last week, the youth protest in Lagos and other parts of Western Nigeria was hijacked. It snowballed into looting, arson and wanton destruction of lives and property. Those who had expressed sympathy over the killing of peaceful protesters by soldiers, were overwhelmed by a rude shock over the monster the protest had become. Palliatives stored in warehouses consequent upon the global pandemic, COVID 19, were looted.
In Benin City, there was a jail break that released all prisoners in the maximum security prison. In Delta State, many policemen were killed as hoodlums took liberty for license. The policemen in Delta State had to protest over the killing of their colleagues, stating that, “Police are human beings.”
In Cross Rivers State, hoodlums in guise of EndSARS and police brutality protest, have unleashed heinous crimes against the state in spite of Governor Ben Ayade’s promises to lessen the sufferings of youth. His unprecedented creation of jobs in the simmering period of COVID 19 did not help matters. The hoodlums set ablaze private, public and corporate buildings and nobody can say for certain whose interest the hoodlums are serving.
In Plateau State, youths turned into palliatives hunters have descended on a warehouse in Jos. What manner of youths?
On 24th October, 2020, hoodlums invaded palliatives warehouse at Gwagwalada, Abuja and carted away everything in store. This perhaps consists of the cardinal points of their reformation agenda. In Lagos, many youths are expressing sentiments that the destruction of the properties are targeted at a particular ethnic group.
Regrettably, the preponderance of hoodlums that wreaked havoc in Southern Nigeria are part of the youths expected to take over the reins of power from the ageing generation of the present day rulers. In the present circumstances, what is the future of our great nation? Little wonder then that some governors do not want to tolerate anything protest. The seeming expression of the fundamental rights of protesters has led to sorrow, tears and blood to many Nigerians.
In Rivers State, the Indigenous People of Biafra, hijacked the protest, invaded police stations in Oyigbo, Eleme, Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas. In Oyigbo, the Police Area Command and Afam Divisional Police Stations were burnt down, while some policemen were killed in the process. Oyigbo residents believe that guns had been looted by the proscribed group.
IPOB, for no justifiable reason, attacked Hausas living in Oyigbo that left people on both sides dead.
The ugly situation, made Governor Nyesom Wike to impose a 24-hour curfew on the areas ravaged by the outlawed IPOB.
At Iriebe in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, robbers are robbing in broad daylight in what has become nightmarish. The paramount ruler of the community is calling for security agencies to come to their rescue. Efforts are being made by the state government to bring perpetrators of the Oyigbo mayhem to book as Governor Wike has put a bounty of N50,000,000 (Fifty million naira) on the alleged mastermind of the crisis.
One Mr Stanley Mgbere is alleged to have been the mastermind of IPOB mayhem.
The dismantling of SARS and the ban on use of guns by the local vigilante has put paid to the efforts of the government and communities to maintain security in the society. With SARS gone, the enfeebled Nigeria police lack the capacity to fight violent crimes. Pathetically, both the Nigeria police and citizens they are expected to protect have become vulnerable to criminals with sophisticated weapons.
Again, the looting of police armouries that characterised the invasion of stations has left no one in doubt that firearms have entered into the wrong hands and it will be difficult to mop up the firearms. Nobody is safe any longer, everybody has to be careful not to fall prey to the antics of criminals. The proliferation of small arms in South-East and South-South has fueled violent crimes and separatist agitation. The recent happenings since the dismantling of SARS have made it crystal clear that Nigeria needs strong policing to stem the growth of criminal activities.
EndSARS protest has left in its wake, the loss of lives and incalculable damages; a huge loss to the entire nation.
What does anybody expect from a nation where the politicians live in splendor while the masses live in misery? The demonstration was a release from pent-up frustrations among Nigerians. Even the little that should trickle to poor is denied them. The denial of the masses of palliatives meant for them at the height of COVID 19 pandemic, demonstrates leaders’ insensitivity to the plight of the ordinary citizens. The list is endless.
However, the primary function of government is the maintenance of law and order. With the scrapping of SARS, the society is likely going to witness an upsurge in crime rate. President Muhammadu Buhari’s terse address belies government’s resolve to restore law and order throughout Nigeria. Section 10 of the Police Act highlights government power vested on the police to ensure public safety.
No government anywhere in the world either wants to throw in the towel or allow protesters making hydra-headed demands to force it out. It does not thrive on public opinion. The call to end SARS and police brutality was victorious but a pyric victory at that as our security system is likely to collapse if nothing is done to salvage the situation.
Chidi Enyie
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned against the practice of scooping fuel from accidented tankers, noting it has led to the loss of many lives and property.
The agency’s Head of Operations in Ibadan, Mr Kadiri Olanrewaju, cautioned during a sensitisation programme on tanker fire accidents, held on Wednesday at Akinyele Local Government Area (LGA) of Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was held in collaboration with the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (OYSEMA) in Akinyele LGA and other stakeholders.
Olanrewaju said Akinyele LGA was selected for the awareness campaign because of its strategic location as a trailer route from the northern to the southern part of the country.
“These agencies felt that it was necessary to bring this important message to critical stakeholders in communities under the Akinyele LGA, where we have major trailer parks.
“The campaign kick-started in Ogun; we will soon move to Osun.
“The focus is to drive strong sensitisation against the scooping of fuel at the grassroots level, especially for local governments along the trailer routes to reduce needless loss of lives and property,” he said.
He charged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant agencies to enforce the laws against underage driving and ensure the proper certification and retraining of drivers.
The Administrative Secretary of OYSEMA, Mrs Ojuolape Busari, said that Community Development Associations (CDAs) were involved in the campaign to reach a larger number of people.
Busari noted that people still scoop fuel from accidented tankers because there had not been any serious punishment attached to the offence.
She, therefore, called for stiff penalties for anyone caught perpetrating the act.
“Apart from the risk of fire outbreak that may occur during the practice, it is stealing, which is a serious offence,” she said.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Akinyele LGA, Hon. Akinwole Akinyele, suggested that fuel transportation should be handled through the rail system, while leaving tankers for intra-city fuel transportation.
The chairman called for an urgent review of laws and policies related to fire services and road safety to meet the urgent and modern demands.
He said that the implementation of stricter fuel transportation regulations, vehicle maintenance, drivers’ training and retraining, and safer fuel handling practices remained crucial to the fuel distribution system in Nigeria.
“The attendant costs of tanker fire accidents have been huge, both in terms of the high number of fatalities and the loss or destruction of property, environmental damage, and public infrastructure,” he said.
NAN reports that the event featured technical sessions, lectures, and presentations from the FRSC, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Fire Service, traditional and market leaders, among others.
…To Confer National Honours On Select Lawmakers
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will deliver a presidential address before a joint session of the National Assembly today as part of events marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration.
The event is scheduled to be held in the House of Representatives chamber of the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
This was confirmed in a statement released on Sunday by the spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Akin Rotimi.
The statement referenced an internal memorandum issued by the Clerk of the House, Yahaya Danzaria, officially notifying lawmakers of the proceedings.
According to the memorandum, the special joint sitting will begin at 11:00 a.m. with preliminary activities before the arrival of President Tinubu, who is expected at noon.
Democracy Day is observed annually on June 12 in remembrance of the 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s most credible poll since independence.
The election was won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola but was annulled by the military government led by General Ibrahim Babangida (retd).
The theme for the 2025 celebration is “26 Years of Democracy: Renewing Our Commitment to National Development.”
President Tinubu is attending the event as the Special Guest of Honour and is expected to use the platform to reflect on the state of Nigeria’s democracy and present his administration’s vision for the future.
The session will also feature goodwill messages from former presiding officers of the National Assembly.
Meanwhile, the President will confer national honours on select legislators in what organisers describe as part of efforts to recognise contributions to democratic governance.
The National Assembly views the event as an important marker of Nigeria’s political evolution.“This joint sitting represents a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey,” the statement read.
“It underscores the pivotal role of the National Assembly in safeguarding democratic values, fostering accountability, and advancing national development over the past 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule.”
Lawmakers also used the occasion to urge Nigerians to reflect on the country’s democratic progress and to renew their commitment to national unity and inclusive governance.
“The House of Representatives calls on all Nigerians to embrace the spirit of Democracy Day as a time for reflection, renewed patriotism, and commitment to building a more inclusive, prosperous, and united nation,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has declared today as a public holiday, to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day celebration held every June 12.
June 12 was officially designated as Nigeria’s Democracy Day in 2018, to honour the annulled 1993 presidential election, widely considered the freest and fairest in the nation’s history and won by Chief MKO Abiola.
In a statement announcing the holiday, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated citizens on the occasion of 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in the country.
“June 12 represents our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign, and peace is sustained and our future assured,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
Rivers women, under the aegis of Rivers Women Unite for SIM, have celebrated the second year anniversary of the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, with praise and thanksgiving.
The women, who gathered at the Ecumenical Centre, Port Harcourt, last Thursday, said that no matter the prevailing circumstances in the State, Fubara has shown great capacity in leadership and deserves to be celebrated.
They emphasised that their gathering was to thank God for what He has done through Fubara and the expected restoration and peace within the State.
They commended Rivers people and all Nigerians who have been standing by the Governor and Rivers people all through these trying times, saying it is now time for peace, reconciliation and restoration.
Speaking on behalf of the women, Dr. Queen Idanyingi Karibi Botoye, said the women have been consistently praying for the State and its leaders.
She urged the leaders of the State to put their differences behind and think about the people first and come together to advance the interest of the State.
The women assured that their prayers will continue until God restores the glory of the State and ensures greater harmony amongst its leaders and people.
-
Rivers2 days ago
FIDA, PCRC Train Police On Paralegal Cases
-
Women2 days ago
How Women Can Manage Issues In Marriage
-
News2 days agoSenate Confirms Odey As RISEIC Chairman
-
Sports2 days ago
‘Ofili Still Representing Nigeria’
-
News2 days agoCourt Arraigns Rivers Traditional Ruler Over Impersonation, Other Charges
-
Niger Delta2 days ago
NDLEA Apprehends 312 Suspects … Seizes 803.672 kg Of Drugs In A’Ibom
-
Politics2 days ago
Church Bans Political Speeches On Pulpits
-
Business2 days ago
Coy Expands Pipeline Network In Rivers