By Audrey Lotechukwu
THUR 10 JUNE, 2021-theGBJournal- President Muhammadu Buhari was in Lagos Thursday to witness the handing over of newly-acquired security equipment and assets to the Lagos State Police Command, by His Excellency the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on behalf of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.
‘’There is no doubt that these new equipment being handed over today will go a long way in boosting the morale of the Police, and further enhance their capacity to fight crime and combat criminality,’’ the President told the dignitaries at the event.
‘’This is even more touching in the light of the unwarranted violence that ensued in the wake of the ENDSARS protests last October, which saw the security architecture in Lagos state being severely damaged.’’
The President said tt is commendable that Lagos State, the Centre of Excellence, has shown a truly resilient spirit, in the face of the massive destruction it suffered last October. You did not allow yourselves to be deterred by the severe setback; instead you have bounced back and are now boldly rebuilding the confidence of residents and investors in the State.
‘’I acknowledge the initiative taken to kick-start the rebuilding process, through the establishment of the Lagos State Rebuild Trust Fund, and through this very laudable effort by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund. I enjoin other State Governments to emulate your bold, proactive and resourceful initiative.’’
According to him, the Federal Government takes very seriously its constitutional oath to secure the lives and properties of the Nigerian people.
‘’We are well aware of the fact that lasting security is a necessary foundation for business, investment and true prosperity. This is why we have demonstrated, and continue to demonstrate, our commitment to comprehensive Police reform in Nigeria. Indeed, no Federal Government since 1999 has been as committed as our administration, to reforming and repositioning the Nigeria Police Force and national policing architecture.’’
He noted that in 2019, he signed into law the Act establishing the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, the first in the history of the Force, to provide guaranteed funding to support Police welfare, logistics and equipment.
In September 2020, he also assented to the Bill amending the Nigeria Police Act, which was originally enacted in 1943. This new Act, a vast improvement over the old one, among other things spells out the modalities for the implementation of a National Community Policing Scheme in Nigeria.
‘’This new scheme will build confidence within our local communities and make them active stakeholders in the safety and security of their environs,’’ the President said.
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