…Lauds Gov Ododo for his commitment to safety of lives, property
By Yabagi Mohammed.
The Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf has questioned industrialists, Dangote and Mangal Groups about their commitment towards ensuring adequate security for lives and property of the people of the state, given the huge resources still being poured into the sector by the present administration in the State.
He stated this during Tuesday’s plenary in his contribution to a motion of urgent importance commending the State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, which was sponsored by the member representing Igalamela/Odolu State Constituency, Hon Major Enefola.
The Speaker said given the huge resources being explored and exploited by the investors, their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) leaves much to be desired, particularly in the area of security.
The lawmaker noted, with dismay, the lack obvious presence by the companies in safeguarding lives, even in situations where members of the immediate communities where limestones and other important natural resources for the production of cement and other resource chains become victims of kidnapping and banditry.
He said were it not for the genuine commitment of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to continue with the legacy of serious investment in the security sector, many communities would have been plunged in the chaos facing many rural areas of the state.
He said the state is aware that it is the superior firepower of the Nigerian Security Agencies that is chasing the criminals from the far – north to the north central, adding that they are realizing that Kogi is not a safe haven for their nefarious activities.
Earlier while presenting the motion, the member representing Igalamela/Odolu State Constituency, Hon. Major Enefola had described security as the foundation upon which every society stands, adding thay without peace,there can be no progress.
Safety, he added, is the assurance upon which citizens build their hopes and livelihoods, “just as every promise of prosperity rests on the foundation of security, and every stride towards development requires itsprotective shield,” he added.
The lawmaker acknowledged that the leadership of Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo stands as the driving force upon which the destiny of the people of Kogi State turns.
“It is therefore gratifying to note that since his assumption of office, Ododo has made security a cardinal priority of his administration.
“What has given our constituents a stronger sense of ownership in the collective fight against crime, as demonstrated by the courage and responsiveness of the youth during the recent security breach in Yagba West is the sustained logistical support of the Governor to the security framework of our dear State.
“This includes the provision of modern security equipment, financial resources to motivate operatives, positioning the Security Trust Fund to ensure sustainable support for all security agencies in the atate, and strong leadership presence and encouragement to lift the morale of the Kogi State Vigilante Service.
These deliberate efforts have deepened community-based intelligence gathering and enhanced the effectiveness of joint operations between the Vigilante Service and formal security agencies across the 21 Local Government Areas of the State.”
Following many the enumeration of several other efforts of the Governor in that regard, the lawmaker urged the House to issue a resolution commending Governor Ododo for his visionary, proactive and people-centred approach to security managementin Kogi State, and for sustaining the peace legacy while introducing new momentum and focus to community-based and technological security initiatives.
He also enjoined his colleagues to issue its resolution commending the heads and personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police Force, the DSS,the NSCDC, Vigilante Services for their tireless services, dedication and cooperation in the fight against criminality across the State.
His resolutions also stated “That His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, be urged to further strengthen and fund the existing security framework, with particular attention to logistics, welfare, equipment and technological upgrades for the joint security agencies and the Kogi State Vigilante Service as well as ensuring strategic introduction of CCTV cameras and other intelligence gathering equipment to assist security operations in strategic areas of the state.
“That the Honourable House do further resolve to invite the State Security Adviser and the Heads of Security Agencies in the State; including the Nigerian Army,the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the NigeriaSecurity and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Kogi State Vigilante Service to a joint interactive session with Honourable Members as a mark ofappreciation and to further strengthen collaboration in the security management of our dear State.”
Many lawmakers, who contributed to the matter aplauded the Governor for his commitment to safeguarding the lives of citizens in the face of many challenges.
