PRESS RELEASE: TACKLE INSECURITY NOW

14th November 2012 PRESS RELEASE: TACKLE INSECURITY NOW   There is no gainsaying the fact that the security challenges facing the Nigerian nation is gargantuan. From the Boko Haram imbroglio in the North to the widely organized kidnapping saga in the South and the ever widening gyre of armed robbery all over the country, the picture is that of a country at war with itself.   Yet the fundamental responsibility of any government worth its salt is to ensure the safety of lives and properties. It is only after this is done that the citizens can have the confidence to pursue their legitimate duties and contribute their quota to the building of the economy. Therefore any threat to the lives and properties of individuals within a state constitutes a clog in the wheel of economic progress.   We of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) wish to alert the authorities that the rate of crime has risen in recent times particularly as we enter the ember months. However, we wish to register our observations regarding the combat-readiness of the security agencies, particularly the police. In our humble opinion, men of the Nigerian police are doing their best. We note with pleasure that there are gallant officers and heroes among our policemen.   We call on the Federal Government to properly equip the police to enable them to function effectively. There is also the need to boost police numerical strength in view of the revelation that the total number of policemen in the country is just a little over 300,000. This number is grossly inadequate to effectively protect a rising population of about 167 million.   We charge state governments to rise to the challenge by complementing the efforts of the authorities at the center. Above all, governments must pay serious attention to the issue of police welfare. A robust welfare package must be put in place. This must take care of education opportunities of children of policemen, free health-care facilities for the police and members of their families, adequate compensation in case of injury and a reliable insurance scheme in case of death.   MURIC charges members of the public to play their own role in the security question. Security cannot be left in the hands of the police alone. The citizens must complement the job of the police by providing information and by organizing themselves for community police network. We therefore urge community leaders throughout the country to stand up and be counted for the role which destiny has placed before them.   Finally, we warn Nigerians not to allow the misdeeds of a few bad eggs among the police to erode their confidence in the police force.   Professor  Is-haq Akintola, Director, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) 234-818-211-9714 234-803-346-4974   Professor Is-haq Akintola,  Lagos State University, P.O. Box 10211, LASU Post Office, HO 102 101, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria. Tel. 234-803-346-4974        234-818-211-9714 Website: www.ishaqakintola.com Blog: drishaqakintola.blogspot.com Twitter:  ishaqakintola Facebook: facebook.com/ishaqakintola Twitter: ishaqakintola   I remain oppressed untill the hungry are fed, the naked clothed, the sick healed and the homeless sheltered