Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday harped
on the need for all security agencies in the country to scale up intelligence
gathering and information sharing to ensure effective protection of lives and
property.
Governor Ambode also called for synergy in analysing
opportunities and threats to national security, as well as the most effective
methods to nip security breaches before they happen.
Speaking while formally declaring open the 2016 3rd
Quarterly Meeting of Federal and State Security Administrators’ Forum held at
the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja, the Governor said there was the
need for security agencies to re-invigorate their intelligence gathering
mechanisms for effectiveness.
Governor Ambode, who was represented by his deputy, Dr.
Idiat Oluranti Adebule, said the call became imperative since perpetrators of
criminal acts are not invisible as they operate around and among the various
communities.
The Governor, who said security administrators have a great role to play in translating government policies to positively impact on the people and enhance economic viability of the country for prospective investors, added that security chiefs need to raise the bar in making the society safer and better secured for the people and investors taking into perspective the challenging global realities.
“It is our duty on behalf of the people to ensure the
territorial integrity of our country; this is the reason why we have the
mandate of the people to serve as leaders and keepers of public trust.
“As we approach the “ember” months, let us review our
security surveillance and intelligence gathering frameworks to ensure peace and
serenity across the land. Notwithstanding the glaring economic challenges,
there is still a bright light at the end of the tunnel,” Governor Ambode said.
The Governor, who recalled the massive investment of his
administration in purchase of security equipment such as saloon and pickup
cars, power-bikes, Armoured Personnel Carriers, gun boats, helicopters among
others, assured of continuous commitment of the State Government to offer
required support to security agencies.
He said: “We are aware of the changing dynamics of crime
across our country, ranging from attacks by Marauding herdsmen who have killed
many people, the rash of kidnappings which is rapidly becoming the norm and the
disturbing sabotage of government economic infrastructure which has resulted in
huge financial haemorrhage that has impacted negatively on revenue generation
with the attendant implications on our economy in the face of a global
recession.”
He, however, reiterated the zero-tolerance posture of his administration towards crime and all forms of criminal acts in Lagos.
Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello
said the meeting which witnessed the presence of delegates from all the 36
States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja,
epitomized the primary essence of government as amplified in the constitution,
adding that meaningful development can only occur in an environment with
effective security.
In his keynote address, Chairman of the Forum and Permanent
Secretary of Special Services in the Office of the Secretary to Government of
the Federation (SGF), Ambassador Aminu Nebagu said the negative consequences of
pipeline vandalism in recent time on the economy was of massive proportion, and
called on all those involved in the act to lay down their arms and embrace
dialogue with government to achieve lasting peace.
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