Oba of Lagos makes case for state police

To effectively check the rising wave of crimes in the communities, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Riliwan Babatunde Osuolale Akiolu I, has canvassed for state police.Speaking during an advocacy visit of officials of anti-money laundering agency, Inter-governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), to his palace in Lagos recently, Oba Akiolu noted that with state policing, the current high level of crimes in the communities would be reduced, stating that the local Police officers have knowledge of the local environment.He admitted that the fight against crimes was the responsibility of everyone, noting that members of the public should take it upon themselves to make information available to the Police to effectively track criminals in the society.'The solution to this insecurity in the country is state police. I repeat, state police is the solution. They have local knowledge of the environment and would be able to track criminals. Also, the public should know that Police are not spirit, so they should be ready to volunteer information,' he said.On the recent clash between rival groups on Lagos Island which led to loss of lives and destruction of properties, Oba Akiolu said he personally intervened by calling the warring factions to order, adding that those involved in the mayhem would face the law of the land.'I always advise Lagosians to shun violence and resolve any disagreement in the legal way. I personally told the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to ensure those involved in criminality face the law,' he stated.On financial crimes, the Oba who retired as an Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), submitted that no nation can grow where financial crimes thrived, stressing that since his service years in the Police Force, he had always supported the fight against financial crimes.In particular, he advised those holding political positions to be accountable and shun corruption, stating that was the only way to move the economy forward.He advised the visiting GIABA team to carry the advocacy campaign to religious places, markets, schools, stressing that for the fight to be effective, it must cover the whole strata of the society.
Click here to read full news..