Byb Ola Kay
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, has stated that the state is fully ready to create state police, only waiting for necessary approval.
IThe state attorney-general stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), during the 10th Ramadan Lecture organised by Anwar-ul Islam Old Students Association (ACAOSA), on Saturday in Lagos.
Pedro said that, “As far back as 2001, I have always maintained that the security of this country will be addressed by having state police or community police.
“We are talking about police system that is indigenous to the people themselves.
“Lagos is over ready for the state police. I can assure you that because we have our own Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps already in place and fully kitted and ready with even body cameras.
“I think we are ready to go in Lagos. If any state is ready, I can confirm to you today from what Mr Governor – Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu – has done, Lagos State is ready.
“Just give the whistle and you see our police officers ..
The state law officer said such police would have better understanding of the environment, and the escape routes for criminals.
Pedro revealed that federal police might not be familiar with terrains of their postings, unlike the native who will truly understand the environment.
He stated further that, “The indigenous police will know in the community those who are bad boys and those who are not.
“Criminals will not be able to escape, and if they do, the indigenous police will know their hideouts and where they can be found.
“Now you come and bring a police officer from Kaduna to come and police Lagos Island, evil people will keep escaping.
y” If the robbers escape the hand of the community policeman in that community, such indigenous police will know where to go and get them out. So, that is the advantage.
On possible fear of abuse being expressed in some quarters, Pedro said that the advantages in state police were higher that the disadvantages.
“I agree with people who are afraid that the state police can be hijacked by some politicians. But in everything in life, there are advantages and disadvantages.“When the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, I think we should follow the path.
”The only thing is to walk it around to ensure that those potential abuses are curtailed.”
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