Insecurity: Bishop Ikeakor questions welfare of Nigerian security officers
… says Nigeria’s Policemen the most neglected in the world
Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Amidst the ongoing fight against insecurity bedevilling the nation, a popular Anglican Cleric, Rt. Rev. Ephraim Ikeakor has questioned the welfare of policemen and other security apparatuses in the country.
The Anglican Cleric said Nigeria’s Policemen are the most neglected among police forces in the world. He also noted that lack of some basic provisions for the officers of the force in the country spells danger and disaster to the country’s security architecture.
Revd. Ikeakor who is the Bishop Diocese of Amichi in Anglican Communion, said this in a Presidential Address he delivered at the Second Session of the fifth Synod at St. Peter’s Church, Amichi, Nnewi South LGA, Anambra State.
He condemned the incessant killings, kidnappings and destruction public facilities by hoodlums, noting that the situation has degenerated to national embarrassment and disaster.
According to him, “The security situations of Nigeria is to say the least currently, a national disaster, and embarrassment.
“A nation where bandits, terrorists, kidnappers, and criminals take
their nefarious activities to state and public infrastructures and
facilities like the Airport, Railways, Correctional Centers, Military
bases, Police stations, and major highways without resistance from the nation’s security agencies is a worrisome green light signaling a
failed State.
“I don’t want to talk about the welfare of our military, and police personnel. The Nigeria Policemen are the most neglected Police force in the world.
“A nation where Policemen and their families live in the same
public houses where the criminals, they are fighting against reside
spells disaster to both the Policeman, and their nation’s security architecture.
“A nation where a ward councilor earns more than University Professor in monthly take home. A nation whose leadership is anchored on deceit, tribal favouritism, religious
fundamentalism political parochialism, and destructive media propaganda is nothing but a failed State.
“A nation where politics
means all to the leaders, and education means nothing to them is at the crossroads; where sacredness and sanctity of life is sacrificed on the altar of religious fundamentalism and extremism.
“A nation where borrowing for
consumption has become a harmless economic strategy for economic growth and development.”
The Bishop who said that the corporate existence of the nation has been under gross threat, insisted that the leaders must make room for a round table and sincere dialogue.
He called for an aggressive critical restructuring of Nigeria with practical devolution of power from the center to allow for true and functional federalism
He also maintained that regional and state Policing must be given its essential place if the country hopes to achieve success in the fight against insecurity.
