Members of the House of Representatives have expressed overwhelming support for the devolution of power and establishment of State Police.
The representatives expressed believe that it’s part of measures geared toward tackling security challenges in Nigeria.
Hon. Awayi-Inombek Abiante, member representing Adoni/Opobo Nkoro Federal Constituency of River State and Hon. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, member representing Owan West/East Federal Constituency of Edo State expressed these views during separate interviews.
‘Nigeria should adopt alternative measures tackling insecurity’
Tribune reports that Hon. Abiante, stressed the need for Nigeria to adopt alternative measures in tackling various security challenges facing the country. He said rather than the usual increase in the allocation of budgetary provisions to the Security agencies.
He said: “Some people will tell you that Nigeria is more secure as we speak. It simply means we are not on the same page. If we are not on the same page, we are not in agreement. IAbiante said there’s a problem with security in this country, such that Nigeria can’t go nowhere.
You can solve problems using same Solutions– Reps
“You cannot solve this problem using the same solutions that have not provided answers. We have had an incremental budget for Defence, incremental budget for security services. If you do the correlation, are we getting the results expected for increasing resources for Defence and security agencies? The answer is No!
Abiante said It requires an alternative approach to solving Nigeria problems. “We are having batallions, more divisions, more special forces established here and there. ” But are we getting answers from there? The answer is No, he explained.
FG should channel fund for job creation, says Abiante
“There is a relationship between the economy and security. I will suggest that rather than keep funding the defence, rather than increase money for security agencies let us retool and take the money into the productive areas that will guarantee jobs for our people.
“Time has come for us to also look at the issue of State Police. It was here in the chamber that we voted against State Police. Devolving powers so that we can have State Police to secure ourselves,” Hon. Abiante stressed.
