The issue, of security has always been an issue of the right to leave in peace, historically peace in itself has had to be enforced by men of Violence, men capable of violence but Men who also had restraints.

The issue of security in Nigeria therefore is about how many men of Violence, men capable of violence do we need and what tools do we need enable them project said violence with the maximum amount of restraints.

The NIGERIAN govt in it's wisdom created several agencies and Security outfits that serve to protect the peace, the Nigerian military to protect from external aggression from state and non state actors, the immigration for boarder control of people, the Customs for boarder control of goods and services, NSCDC control and protection of national assets, FRSC control and protection of Passive driver from the aggressive one, V.I.O to protect the other road user from Illegally modified or Substandard vehicles. Prison service (Corrections) to protect the law abiding citizens from citizens proven to be deviants, EFCC to ensure that everyone else could be secure from money related issues, ICPC to ensure Public trust isn't abused and So forth.

But the Nigerian police force was created for the average person this is because while every other agency is given a specific target the Nigeria police force is given a broad view like a general anaesthetic, it's functioning is meant to take care of everything and everyone, but why then are they not given the best and latest technology in terms of personnel care and tools to ensure that those whom would want to cause issues know that the men of the police are men of extreme violence who use that violence to protect those who CANNOT protect themselves.

Therefore it is a shame that these gallant men and women who put their lives on the line are not given the best quality of life a visit to any police barracks will melt the heart of even the biggest critic of the police, why don't they have the best tools of the trade, best training and the respect they deserve but rather are over stretched and under paid, under trained and without the tools for them to project their ability to be very Violent.

Instead State Governments and other interesting People are clamouring for the creation of state Police this in my own opinion is a misplaced priority because crime prevention in its self is more about the quality of the deterrent than the response to a crime after it's been committed.

Several approaches which include surveillance, seeking alternative methods in reduction of crime rate and poverty through a combined attack  to protect Food Security, Job or skill acquisition, social acceptance of those from poor backgrounds without discrimination, prevention of drug use, abuse and recreational use by blocking the transition routes and ability to wash said Money.

Governors at state level and other actors within the security architecture are to ensure that these gallant men and women of the police force are given all the tools to perform and project their ability to be violent, whilst still being seen as friendly, attentive and helpful.

Other security services available to the state like the Amotekun corp, VGN, VSO and So safe are to compliment the police, the office of the State prosecutor should be given the tools to ensure that they can discharge their duties.

I believe that the police also needs to do a lot of work to build it's reputation amongst people who it's meant to serve also because a lack of public trust in their capacity to discharge their duties will ultimately undermine their capacity to discharge said duties.

The police is your friend, this should not just be a statement but rather a goal that the police in itself strives to attain.

ABIORO ITUNU TEMITAYO

Ogun State Chairman

African Democratic Congress ADC