20 January 2020
A Former Commissioner of Police, FCT, Abuja, COMPOL Lawrence Alobi Rtd has commended the recently launched southwest security network in Nigeria called "Amotekun" saying it is a laudable initiative that other regions need to emulate as soon as possible NegroidHaven can say authoritatively.
The Security expert stated this during a political radio programme, "Political X-ray" on Sparkling 92.3FM, Calabar as hosted by Okan Peter.
The security expert cited challenges of peace, security and other crimes in the country and shortage of man power in the Nigeria Police noting that such an initiative would assist in the protection of lives and properties of citizens as the core responsibility of government at any level.
His words, 'According to statistics, we are about 200 million, where the manpower of the Nigerian Police is 400, 000. That is grossly inadequate'.
When asked if he would subscribe to a replica of such initiative in other geopolitical zones, Alobi echoed: 'Why not, if not; it is a laudable initiative that should be emulated'.
Referencing the statement credited to the Attorney General, Abubarkar Malami who, citing legal and constitutional grounds, declared Amotekun illegal,
Alobi wondered why a federal government that supports community policing would lebel Amotekun 'illegal' in the face of rising security challenges. He said rather than chastising the initiative, the government should rather consider ways of incorporating the outfit, by way of recommendation.
The former Police chief suggested that the Police should issue operational guidelines, modus operandi and rules of engagement as well as designate Police officers to oversee various sections or units of the western security outfit.
Espousing the relevance of the Western Security Network, another guest on the programme, the Editor of Negroid Haven, Efio-ita Nyok stated that not only was the security outfit poised to curb rising security challenges but also would serve as wonderful information gathering outfit to aid Police and other Security agencies' intelligence.
Meanwhile, Constitutional Lawyer, nation builder and public affairs analyst Paschalmary Chimezie Esq., described the declaration of the AGF as a rather unfortunate gesture. According to him, the Security Outfit did not breach any legal provision.
Chimezie further explained that though the outfit may be legal, but measures should be put in place to check arbitrary use of power and extra-judicial activities adding that his only worry is that the Security Outfit does not have a defined superior system positioned to hold them accountable.
