Peter Obi
Former vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ex-Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has recommended regional restructuring of the security apparatchik, stressing that states should be allowed to operate their regional security systems.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Newsnight, Obi said this would help curb the myriads of security challenges the country faces.
Obi, an apostle of the rule of law and promoter of democratic ideals said the size of the nation and the topography of some regions demand that security be brought closer to the people by using persons who are familiar with the communities they operate in.
“Allow some region-like state security system to function. The government has to come out genuinely to tackle the issue of security of lives and properties by investing in them.
“I served as a governor and when I found out that we had a security issue, I decided that every community in Anambra State must have their own security outfit funded and supported by the government.
“If you go to Anambra State, every community has a pickup for security. In fact, some own two or three. A community like Nnewi owns four or five because it is critical.”
For Nigeria to surmount the several challenges and become better, Obi said the nation needs to restructure, adding that the restructuring should be along regional security architecture.
He explained that for the citizens to be safe, communities should have a network that will effectively guarantee their security, noting that it is the best approach.
“Just support every community, let governments of the states support every community. There is no better protection or security you can have within a community than those communities being in charge of their own security because they know the criminals.
“They know those who are foreigners in their community, so it is very easy. You can’t come to my village and provide a better security than my villagers,” he said.
