State Police better option to community policing in tackling insecurity in Nigeria – Obasanjo  

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, receiving leaders of the National Association of Ex-local government chairmen in Nigeria on a courtesy visit at his Presidential library in Abeokuta, Ogun State, said that the establishment of state police is a better option in tackling insecurity in the country than community policing.

The Special Assistant to former President Obasanjo on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, in a statement, indicated that the former President commended the formation of the association of former local government chairmen in Nigeria, noting that it clearly showed that some local chairmen in the country were better than even the top elected leaders.

Former President Obasanjo disagreed with the view of Chinwe Monu-Olarewaju on creation of community police to tame the insecurity in the country, saying that the idea needs to be reviewed.

According to Dr. Obasanjo, “Our situation in Nigeria concerns everyone, particularly, the case of terrorism. The case has gotten over the issue of community police. It is now State police. It is from that State Police that we can now be talking about community police.”

Obasanjo was of the view that the experience the former chairmen had in local government administration was sufficient for them to aspire for higher positions, saying that some of them have the competence, ability, and integrity to occupy higher offices.

The visitors, thereafter, presented a letter appointing Dr. Obasanjo life patron of the association. The former President promised to look into the request of the former council chairmen, adding that he would be available on request for their needs at all times.

The first National Chairman of the association, Albert Asipa, had informed Dr. Obasanjo that they decided to come together in all the 774 local governments in the country, saying: “we can also contribute to the economy and political developments of the country.

“And realising your position as father of local government in Nigeria, we need you to actualize our goals, hence, this all-important visit. And to come and say happy 85th birthday celebration.”

The visiting team was led by the first National Chairman of the association, Albert Asipa;  Ogun State chapter Chairman, Rt. Hon. Shoyemi Coker; Chinwe Monu-Olarewaju, Delta State, Chairman of the BOT;  and the traditional ruler of Odogbolu, His Royal Highness, Oba Toye Mojeed Alatise, Gbegande of Ososa, a former chairman of Ijebu Ode local government area of Ogun State.

Others in the visitation team include Abayomi Tella, National Organising Secretary, Garba Fatai Adeniyi, National Auditor, Ayantoye Adekunle, State Chairman, Osun State; Tajudeen Oke, State Chairman, Oyo State; Akinwunmi Sowore, State Chairman, Ondo State; Ogidi Akindele, State Chairman, Ekiti State; Nicholas Akinbiola, State Chairman,  Ondo State; Adeniyi Fasanmi,  National Asstant Financial Secretary; Isikilu Makinde, Ogun State, Gafar Balogun, Ogun State, Yayaya Olodeoku, Chairman, OGBC; and Tajudeen Salako, State Secretary, Ogun State.