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Insecurity: We Can’t Run Away From Community Policing, Fayemi Admits
The Chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has said community policing was the way to go but collaboration with the mainstream security agencies was needed to achieve results like western nations.
According to him, vigilante associations like Amotekun were achieving results with local intelligence with proofs to show in his state, Ekiti, adding that it is important to underscore a holistic approach to insecurity, because sitting at the centre of it, was bad government.
Fayemi said this, yesterday, during a panel discussion on overview of security situation across the states at the opening of a two-day multi-stakeholders meeting on the peace and inclusive security initiative organised by the NGF in partnership with the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).
He said: “We believe until and unless we begin to look at multi-level policing. That is what is happening in every nation around the world, we will not meet the demands of our people for local security and global protection. And ultimately, until we ensure that we address not just the conflicts and crime, but the causes of these conflicts. And we know some of them, out of school children, poverty in our communities, desperation, amongst the young people in the communities and generally good governance, improving the quality of governance. We may not be totally able to avoid what we are going through. Even when you have all that you will still have crime. But if you don’t have it at all, then it becomes even more problematic for you.”
Fayemi, who disagreed with the argument of a participant that state police would be prone to abuse, said abuses meted on some Nigerians by some security personnel is a proof that both federal or state police would still be prone to abuse.
According to him, as a sitting governor in 2014, he was abused by the police despite his immunity.
He said rather than condemn community policing, an institutional framework should be put in place to guard against abuse.
Fayemi explained “on local authorities who may not subscribe to institutionality rules. This is a perennial excuse that we get. I’m not going to sit here and make an excuse that such powers in the hands of some local actors may not be abused.
“Federal police that we all know abuse the rights of citizens, including the rights of governors, even with immunity, you may not know that. I was abused by federal police in 2014 during my election and I had immunity. Anybody could abuse.
“It could happen, even if you devolve security to the local level. However, what we need to be talking about is, what institutional frameworks should we put in place to ensure that such powers are not abused, not to use it as an excuse not to do the right thing.
“Because at the end of the day, there are mechanisms in our constitution to protect citizens’ rights.”
Fayemi noted that the police, despite having statutory body, the National Police Council recognised by the Constitution, unlike the National Judicial Council, was not effective in meting out punishments etc.
According to him, the National Police Council presided over by the president as chairman, and 36 governors as members, among others,was more or less a rubber stamp in doing the bidding of the executive.
Fayemi said: “Unfortunately, unlike the National Judicial Council, that is very effective in meting out punishments, sanctions, promotions, appointments for judicial officers across the length and breadth of the country.
“The National Police Council has only succeeded since the 1999 Constitution to ratify the appointment of Inspector General of Police. We are only summoned to National Police Council.
“And this is a constitutional body; by the way, check your Constitution you will find it there. It only meets when a new or acting Inspector General of Police is to be confirmed and ratified.
“That meeting is summoned and it meets for 10 or 30minutes. And then we look at the CV of the acting IG, and we approve. You’re not likely to disapprove anyway; the president has already appointed him. But that body has no powers beyond that,” he added.
The Ekiti governor further explained that in most countries where you have multi-level policing, there was a regulatory authority that was responsible for punishment and sanctioning those who go beyond their responsibilities.
“And I think that’s what we should be talking about. Rather than talking about the possibility of abuse, there would always be the possibility of abuse.
“We can’t run away from that. But do we have effective policing now that is federal? And there is no suggestion and that is why I didn’t use the term my brother (a participant) accused me of using, I said multi-level policing. I didn’t say state police, which means local police, state police, federal police, because arguing for multi-level policing does not suggest that we want federal police to go because there are federal crimes.
“There are also crimes that are within the borders of our states in accordance with the statute that’s been promulgated or enacted by our local state assemblies.
“And there are also crimes that are local because they are local jurisdictions by local governments. If you have not paid tenement rate, the local police should deal with you. It shouldn’t be state police, because the tenement rate is the responsibility of the local authority. Not the responsibility of the state. So, that’s my take on that,” he started.
On what states use security votes for, he said “Some states have something called security votes. It is not all states. Security votes have a history. And I will urge you to look for a book by Chief Jerome Ugoji. Serving three masters, that’s what the book is called. And you will find in that book: The origins of security votes in Nigeria.
“You say what do we do with it? Without mincing words, I can’t speak for others. But I also get feedback from other states in my capacity as chairman of the governor’s forum. There are hardly any of these institutions that you are talking about that we don’t fund. We found the police. We found the police more than the federal government, quote me.”
He added “we buy them vehicles. We pay them allowances. In some cases, we even buy ammunition, of course under the authority. And if we are to engage our military in aid to civil authority, which you will find, actually in 36 states in this country today, the military is involved in internal security operations, which is a problem because, for me, its role inflation.
“Now, when you inflate the role of the security institution beyond its primary responsibility, you also have consequences that will come with that that may not be palatable. But that’s where we are because most Nigerians don’t trust the police.
“They will still come and beg governor, governor, please, can you ask the brigade commander to put a roadblock in my area. And these are ordinary citizens insisting that we should put… and you can’t put military roadblocks everywhere. It’s not possible how many do we even have.”
Hinting on the cost of military operations in most states, he said, “But if you engage the military, in civil authority in your state, is only responsible of you to pay for the rations of the men that are engaged in that activity and not expect to have the military also share that burden because that’s not their primary responsibility.
“You’ve taken them out of their primary responsibility; you have to pay for it. So, we pay for that, we pay for civil defense, there is no security institution that you have that states are not responsible for more than the federal government that has primary responsibility for them.”
On why the governors were reluctant to allow local government autonomy to ensure that they play a role in security, he said, “You know, I just talked about multi-level policing. I have no objection to local authority playing a role in local security.
“But the debate about local government autonomy is a different debate. You don’t want us to get into it here because I have my views.
“We have a position in the governors’ forum on it. And it does not suggest that local government autonomy is precisely the way people put it. The principle of federalism is very clear about federating unit.
“Local government, as a federating unit is a unique innovation in Nigeria, I don’t see it in any research work, in any book on federalism. Local government autonomy is the business of the state because the state is the federating unit.
“And most federating countries that you have today have dual federating system. You have the federal and you have the state.
“So, those who are clamouring for local government autonomy is a populist demand, is very exciting to talk about it.
“But I don’t think ultimately it serves the purpose that they want it to serve because we have capacity challenges at that level just as we have at the state level. But the result is what you matter.
“And the result is that you can have Security Council in the local authority. We have in my state, the local government has Security Council almost every month, and they get involved in our security operations. So, it is what they do, it is not the name they are called, that should matter.”
The Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Prof. SonniTyoden, who represented the governor, added that “the existence of vigilantes is an aspect of multi policing. But we have not been able to get the best out of the situation, because the vigilantes have not been really treated as part of the security structure we operate. And I think that’s what we need to do. The existence of these vigilante groups, are manifestations of the disenchantment with the existing security apparatus. And I think if we modelled the vigilantes properly, incorporate them into the security structure, I think we will get something better out of it.”
Political counsellor, British High Commission, Jonathan Bacon, said addressing these security issues was essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and for achieving economic growth and development.
The Director General, CDD, Dr Jubril Ibrahim, noted that the country has not had it so bad in terms of insecurity.
He said: “Our country is at its most terrible level, currently. We have never had it so bad; lots of efforts, lots of ideas are being placed on the table. At our level at the CDD, we are engaged in research to discover what are the real dynamics of this insecurity at the level of the grassroots? What are the actors doing? What are the actors saying? And how are other Nigerians interpreting what is being said and what is being done? It’s because of that we feel partnership with the governor’s forum is extremely important in trying to forge a policy path that will lead us towards confronting in a more adequate manner, these insecurities we are facing.”
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Our Govt’ll Eventually Triumph, Fubara Assures Rivers People …Inaugurates Govt House Staff Quarters
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that despite the unceasing antagonism against his administration, the course of governance is irreversible, and victory is assured for the State.
The Governor, who noted how the news of the judgment of the Supreme Court dampened the spirit of most Rivers people, charged them to brace up because what is ahead is more than what just passed.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance while inaugurating the Rivers State Government House Staff Quarters, reconstructed by his administration, along Forces Avenue (opposite Government House), Old GRA, Port Harcourt last Monday.
He noted that as humans, they may have felt disturbed by the Apex Court’s pronouncements, but advised them to realise that God, who has their back, will accomplish His purpose.
He said, “Our back is not on anybody; it is on God. I want to thank you for your support, and assure you that, if there is one person on this planet Earth that will continue to stand by you, I will be that person.
“I assure you that I will lead you with honour, I will lead you with respect, and I will lead you with integrity, knowing that when I leave here, I would have questions to answer, if I am called upon 20 – 30 years from today. I want to be proud to defend my position. So, I thank you and assure you that I will not disappoint you.”
Governor Fubara, however, emphasised that no matter how much the adversaries have tried to fool the State, the time has fully come for Rivers people to take their destinies in their hands.
The Governor, who clarified that he has never subscribed to violence or asking people to indulge in lawless acts, warned that his administration will not look away when haters of the State struggle to unlease violence in the State.
He said, “No matter how we’ve been fooled in this State, it has gotten to a point when the people have to decide to take their destinies in their hands.
“Inasmuch as I don’t subscribe to violence, when the time comes for us to take a decision, I will lead the course for that decision. Let me say it again: I am not scared of anything, the worse that will happen is for me to leave the office. Am I leaving the earth? Is it going to stop me from existing?
“So, I am not even bothered about that. But the right thing must be done, and must be said when the opportunity is given to us. Let me thank everyone, more especially our youths. Be strong, don’t be perturbed. I assure you, at the right time, you will hear from us.”
Governor Fubara pointed to why it has to be on record and known by everybody that the interest of Rivers State remains his top priority, quickly emphasising that he will not hesitate to pay the supreme price, if it is so required.
But, Governor Fubara noted that his strength is in the supreme God and all Rivers people who love the State, and are interested in its progress and peace, counselling them to know that there is honour and glory in fighting gallantly, being on the side of truth.
Governor Fubara pointed attention to the Holy Scripture, quoting Philippians 3 verse 18-19, which said: “For as I have often told you before, and now, I tell you again, even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, and their god is in their stomach, and their glory is in their shame, their mind is set on earthly things only.”
The Governor stated: “Just like the word said, we are not after our stomach, we are after the joy of our people, that at the end of the day, what will count for us is the lives that we have touched genuinely, the legacy we leave that will speak for us, that will open doors for our children, the generations yet unborn.
“Knowing that and having that in mind, it spurs us, it forces me, as a person, to stand on the side of right, to do good, to stand on the side of truth that even if anybody calls me tomorrow, I should be bold to defend my actions.”
Commenting on the project, Governor Fubara expressed delight that his administration was foresighted to have conceived the project, executed it, and, by the special grace of God, is dedicating it to the glory of God for use by the workers.
Governor Fubara stated that what has been achieved: the staff quarters and other projects lined up for inauguration, as proof against what has been said in some quarters, that there is good governance on course in the State.
He said, “Here is a legitimate, purpose-driven governance in Rivers State, and we are here to display, genuinely, not because of our own selfish interest, one of those things that this government has done to show that we appreciate, understand the need, and must continue to do what is right for our people.
“When we came on board, this building was a dilapidated building, completely unhabitable. We felt we must add value, which is the basis of our governance, to what we met, and we decided that, look, our staff can’t be living in uncomfortable place, they can’t leave like animals while I leave in big comfortable place.
“How would I get efficiency from my workers if they are not happy, and the government decided to embark on this project. I am happy that the contractor delivered it within the time limit.”
Governor Fubara thanked the elders of the State who have continued to provide support and stand with his administration, and assured them that he will not disappoint their expectation of providing good governance to the State.
In his address, Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie thanked the Governor for embarking on the reconstruction of the project, and for tastefully furnishing the facility to make living comfortable for workers.
Providing the project description, Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mr Chukwuma Ndudi Augustine, said the project was awarded on June 6, 2024 to Monier Construction Company (MCC), and today, staff of government will have a more comfortable accommodation that will impact positively on their productivity.
He stated: “The Government House Staff Quarters has 6 numbers of two bedroom, 11 numbers of one bedroom, 11 numbers of Boys Quarters. Hostel A has 32 bed spaces, Hostel B has 30 bed spaces. There is canteen, cafeteria, gymnasium – fitness centre where staff will be exercising themselves, mini basketball court, a soundproof power generating plant, water tank. The contract is completed, and contract sum fully paid.”
The outgoing Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, Prof. Nlerum Okogbule, has commended the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminilayi Fubara, for his support towards the successful completion of his tenure.
Okogbule said he owed the governor a debt of gratitude for his support to his administration and his decision to allow him continue from office as the Vice Chancellor despite being appointed by Fubara’s estranged godfather and predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
The outgoing Vice Chancellor stated this during a valedictory press briefing held at the university’s auditorium to give account of his five-year single tenure as the Vice Chancellor of the university.
“The essence of this briefing is to give account of my stewardship, achievements and challenges within the period under review.
“First, let me thank the Almighty God for seeing me through in good health despite the office challenges. He has really been faithful. My appreciation also goes to the two governors who are visitors to the university for appointing me and for as well, allowing me complete my tenure,” he said.
Okogbule expressed joy for the opportunity given to him to serve the State, saying he was bowing out from the office as a fulfilled man who has served meritoriously and also achieved a lot in the development of the institution.
He noted that RSU became one of the best universities in the country under his watch and listed the establishment of the school’s satellite campus in Etche, Emohua and Ahaoda as part of his achievements.
According to him, academic activities in those satellite campus are in their third years.
“We could not complete that of Keren in Khana Local Government Area because we could not complete the remodeling of the campus; so the students will continue to remain at the main campus,” he added.
Okogbule also pointed out that the graduation and induction of first set of medical nurses and midwifery students took place during his administration, while also achieving full accreditation of many courses for the university.
On the challenges faced by his administration, the Vice Chancellor identified lack of funding and power supply as major constraints, and advised his successor to look for alternative sources for power generation.
He expressed appreciation to his management team, staff and students including the media for the support given to him during his tenure and urged them to extend same to his successor.
Prof. Okogbule’s five-year single term comes to an end today, having been appointed on March 5, 2020 by the former governor of the State, Nyesom Wike.
Amadi Akujobi
A renowned lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Bourdillon Omijeh, has called on universities to upscale their academic curriculum to keep up with the advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Omijeh stated this while delivering the 196th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Port Harcourt, last week.
Speaking on the topic: “Embedded Systems, The Game Changer On Modern Industrialisation”, he discussed what he described as Education 4.0, emphasising the need to integrate digital and innovative skills into education to keep up with rapid technological changes with Artificial Intelligence.
“Education 4.0 has to do with education in the fourth industrial revolution, whereby you have build in the emerging digital skills. The jobs that are available now, in the next few years, will phase out, because we are now in the era of full automation.
“Artificial Intelligence is taking the whole lead, and so we need to develop manpower for industry. If we go to the oil and gas today, it is a transformed oil and gas system, whereby all the things that would have been done mechanically are being done automatically”, he said.
Omijeh called on government to prioritize human capacity development, saying that while infrastructural projects may face setback, investing in youth education and equipping students with relevant technological skills will enable them to earn livelihood during their studies.
He stressed the importance of acquiring practical skills alongside formal education, adding that relying solely on academic certificates will no longer be sufficient in today’s fast-changing digital landscape.
In his speech, the Vice Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, highlighted Prof. Omijeh’s impact on the school.
“Prof. Omijeh is a game-changer. He has attracted so much to the university in terms of collaboration. And I must tell you, do not think it is easy that you make people from outside the country come here, bring equipment, bring money, trust you enough to say you can carry out research and give them results.
“You know we are in an era of digital transformation and so every curriculum must take into cognizance the fact that the digital transformation has come to stay.
“So, in whichever way you want to teach, in whichever way you want to research, you must think digital as the way to go. So, embedded systems have come to stay in the University of Port Harcourt”, he said.
The lecture showcased Prof. Omijeh’s research breakthrough in embedded systems, emphasizing their impacts on industrial revolution, community development and global recognition.
His innovations include GSM-based control device for home appliances, GSM-based remote control robotic car, among others.
The Inaugural Lecture recommended that the federal government should invest massively in Education 4.0 and the production sector of the economy, fund start-ups, innovation hubs and create smart factories.
It also recommended for improved curriculum and teaching methodology for embedded systems and emerging technology, among others.