Lanre Razak, a stalwart of All Progressive Congress (APC) in Lagos State, on Monday urged all Nigerians to support the government in fighting the challenge of insecurity in the country.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Epe, Lagos State, that tackling insecurity is a task that requires collective action, with government and individuals having their parts to play.

“When we fight insecurity collectively, it will be a thing of the past in our society; if not completely eradicated, it will be reduced drastically.

“Government cannot do it alone, It requires the support of all, ” Razak, a one-time Commissioner for Public Transportation in Lagos State said.

He commended the Lagos State Government initiative in the establishment of Neighborhood Safety Corps, which was set up to complement and support government security agencies in fighting crime.

According to him, security has improved drastically in the state due to the support of the outfit, vigilantes and other security guards.

Razak reiterated the need to establish State Police, saying that it would go a long way in tackling insurgency in the country.

“The positive impact of creating state police is more than the negative.

“It is important to stress that the establishment of state police will not be tantamount to the abolition of the federal police.

“They will work collaboratively under guidelines on distribution of responsibilities and duties, ” he said.

Razak said Nigeria’s population was increasing day-by-day, hence, the need to establish state police to tackle insecurity at the grassroots.

He cited the United States as example, where he said any university with a student population of 5,000 was expected to have its own police.

“In many areas in the Western world, not only are there local council police, but also city police and metropolitan police. In the first Republic, a region such as the West had a three-tier policing system.

“The local police (Akoda), the regional and the federal called ‘Olopa Eko’ – neat, smart and efficient, professional, respectable and respected. Then, you hardly saw soldiers, ” Razak said.

The APC chieftain, who is eying the senate in 2019, urged the youth and right-thinking Nigerians not to be used for thuggery during and after the forthcoming general elections.

He appealed to Nigerians to get their Permanent Voter’s Cards to vote in their choice candidates. (NAN)

– Aug. 27, 2018 @ 15:19 GMT |