FG will Emulate Our Security Template.

The Governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, has stated that his administration is working on the security architecture of the state to tackle the insecurity challenges bedevilling the state.

The Governor stated this while declaring close a two-day retreat for Local Government Chairmen, Vice-Chairmen, and Heads of Local Government Administrations (HLAs), in the 33 Local Government Councils of the state, held at the Ilaji Hotel and Sports Complex, Akanran, Ibadan.

He noted that his government has, indeed, been working hard to find a lasting solution to the challenges in the all-important sector.

He stated that when ongoing efforts to rework the security system are completed, even the Federal Government will emulate the state’s template.

Addressing the chairmen, Governor Makinde charged them to step up their game on the issue of security and take responsibility for the security of their domains, adding that although security is the responsibility of everyone in the society, government officials will be held accountable for the safety of their citizens.

Makinde equally charged the chairmen to consider adopting the Security Task Force approach of the state government and to hold regular security meetings and work with the Amotekun, federal security agencies, and the voluntary policing initiative of the state government.

He said: “There is a state Security Task Force, you can replicate that at the local government level. Meet once a week and review. I can bet that by the time we are done grinding our security architecture, they will copy it at the national level in this country. So, you should step up to the table and ensure that, at each of your local government areas, you take responsibility.

“Yes, it is a collective responsibility. The government alone cannot handle it but somebody will have to hold the rod of accountability and because you are the elected representatives of the people, you have to take responsibility even sometimes for things that are well beyond your control.

“The Amotekun people are there. There are challenges to get them as an agency to work with federal institutions because there is a rivalry. You guys should see it as the time to put all of them together and we have to thrive. Also, we have voluntary policing. You know some of the youths within your localities, get them into the scheme.

 “The number of the security control room is 615. Call it. When there was an issue at Igangan, I didn’t get the report that anyone called the number. It started at about 11:30 p.m. Call 615 to address any distressing issue. You need to promote the number at the local government level as elected officials. Take it upon yourselves now to ensure that every household is conversant with the 615 number and call it when they are in trouble. Also, encourage your people to say something to you when they see something so you can take the information to appropriate quarters.”

 “I want to say that the people of Oyo State voted for you and are expecting from you dividends of democracy at the local level. For the state election, most of you joined me to campaign together. So, you have all contributed to putting the government at the state level there.

Makinde however, assured the elected chairmen that the state government will always be available to support them: “You know we are here to support you. If you are faced with challenges beyond your control, come to us and we will solve it together,” he said.