The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, has urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity to save the country from anarchy.
In a statement yesterday by the Director of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, the cleric, who would clock 62 years on Tuesday June 1, 2021, bemoaned the failure of government at all levels to decisively address the root causes of insecurity across the country.
He advised that efforts to rid the country of kidnappers and bandits should include constant dialogue between representatives of the security agencies and major stakeholders such as religious leaders, traditional rulers, leaders of ethnic groups, the civil society and political parties.
The cleric therefore called on the National Assembly to follow through the ongoing constitution amendment process so as to pave the way for the creation of state police and revalidation of Federal Character, saying these would certainly help in restoring peace and security all over the country.
He said: “It is obvious that insecurity, apart from corruption, has become the single most serious problem that is facing our country today. Many innocent persons are being kidnapped for ransom, many are being attacked in their homes and displaced with their properties destroyed and normal life disrupted daily.
“Even policemen and their stations are being deliberately attacked with impunity. What this means is that the country is gradually drifting into a state of anarchy. This, no doubt, portends a grave danger for our collective wellbeing.
“This is no time to play the blame game or to play politics through sectoral efforts. There must be a collective effort through a robust consultation with all stakeholders. We all must come together to fight this hydra-headed monster of insecurity that is making life difficult for our people. So, we call upon the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity and roll out practical action plans with time frames within which the situation will be brought under control.”
Martins, while noting that insecurity being experienced all over the country was part of an age-long systemic problem with governance at the national level, also called for a review of the present political structure, which he said, places too much power on the centre while states continue to operate without adequate authority to chart the path for their development.
