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From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
The Neighbourhood Watch, a security outfit established by Ebonyi State government for internal security has supported the call for state police in the country, saying it will create jobs for teeming youths and end insecurity in different parts of the country.
The Ebonyi State Commander of the security outfit, Nwenyi Chibuoyi, stated this yesterday, in Abakaliki, the state capital, while addressing journalists. He urged Nigerians to support state police for security of life and property and not to see it as a tool against perceived opponents by politicians.
“People nursing fears that the target of this state police is just for the general election should stop thinking so. No, they are getting it wrong. Definitely, the person that is the president now, or the governor, will not remain there forever.
“And this development of state police, I think, is going to remain. So, if they use it to victimise others, what of in time to come? So, they are not trying to recruit thugs.
“Don’t you think it will create job opportunities in our country? We see most of our graduates in the streets as motorcycle riders. Those are the ones that even see where to survive, while others are just roaming the streets aimlessly.
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So, definitely, state police are going to create job opportunities. And if the proper people are employed, I think it’s okay. For instance, this Neighborhood Watch has been there for years. During elections, you know the more they get involved and the much they play their role.
“So, if people are nursing fears, they should not do so because, partially, this state police has been in practice. Many states have been practicing it, though it is in their own state and the way they operate. Are you getting it? It has not been fully gazetted by the federal.
“So, why didn’t they use them against the political opponents those days? And they are not seeing the fear they want to use them now; no, no, no, far be it.
“Anybody that is calculating it that way, I should say, is a selfish politician. But, if we are talking of the good of the country, the good and benefit of the inhabitants of this place, I think state police will go a long way to assist the system”, he stated.
Nwenyi also dismissed the fears in some quarters that state governors may not be able to fund the state police when established because of limited resources.
He said Governor Francis Nwifuru has been paying members of state Neighbourhood Watch as and when due, and that each of the 13 local governments has 105 members of the Neighbourhood Watch, totaling 1,365.
