The Guardian (Nigeria)

Ambode Says Enemies Responsibl­e For Insecurity In Lagos

Lagos Committed To One Nigeria, Says Gov, Akiolu

- By Gbenga Salau

LAGOS State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has said that the insecurity challenges in the state are a product of enemies within.

Speaking yesterday when members of the state Council of Obas’ and Traditiona­l Rulers paid him a ‘thank you visit,’ Ambode said restated his commitment to the safety and security of lives and properties. He disclosed that efforts are ongoing to nip in the bud all insecurity issues, which could be discussed openly.

The governor charged the monarchs to remain committed and work with his government to ensure that issues of insecurity are tackle effectivel­y, especially as kidnapping­s occur with the connivance of enemies within the communitie­s.

“I feel very bad each time I hear about this, but again, life and safety first, thereafter, we will deal with other things. I want to let you know truly that sometimes, some of these kidnapping issues are actually from enemies within. I just pray that when the children come back, we will be able to talk about those things. I just ask people to give us some time, as we gather intelligen­ce.”

“I want to thank you for your support, in terms of security. You are part of the security architectu­re of Lagos State, because without you, we will not get the informatio­n we are using to reach out to the Police.

“I also want to thank you for supporting our Neighborho­od Safety Corps (NSC) initiative, which is about neighborho­od safety, and we have seen the hands of all our monarchs in the operation of the corps. We believe strongly that we need to put more efforts in the NSC to make sure that this issue of kidnapping and other criminal activities become a thing of the past within the shortest possible time.”

Ambode stressed that the state believes in the oneness of Nigeria; hence it is accommodat­ing and ready to welcome anyone to the state, saying the state would work with the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo to make Nigeria home for all.

“I also want to join the Chairman of the Council to reiterate our support for the Federal Government to keep the unity of Nigeria and uphold the tenets of the constituti­on. We are very happy that all our traditiona­l rulers in Lagos believe in oneness of Nigeria.

“We are happy also that we are very accommodat­ing and allow people from other tribes to live with us and we are ready to do everything to support the Acting President and the Federal Government in every effort to ensure that Lagos remains peaceful and then Nigeria remains peaceful,” he added.

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