Insecurity: APM Demands Constitutional Reforms Over Security Failures
…Advocates stronger state role in policing as violence and kidnappings spread across the country.
The Allied People’s Movement (APM), Lagos State Chapter, has called on the Federal Government to take full responsibility for addressing the worsening security situation across the country, amid growing protests over rising cases of kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes.
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Ayodele Kazeem, the party expressed concern over the increasing insecurity in several parts of the country, noting that recent demonstrations in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Enugu, Borno and other states reflect growing public frustration with the government’s response to the crisis.
The APM commended civil society organizations, activists, students and groups such as the Take It Back Movement and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) for what it described as their courage in demanding decisive action to safeguard lives and property.
According to the party, although state governors are often regarded as Chief Security Officers of their states, the nation’s security agencies remain under the control of the Federal Government through the President, who serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
It argued that state governments should not be solely blamed for security failures when they lack operational control over critical security institutions.
The party also acknowledged the establishment of the Amotekun Corps by South-West states as a commendable initiative but noted that the outfit’s effectiveness has been constrained by operational limitations and inadequate weaponry.
It stated that local security operatives cannot be expected to confront heavily armed criminals with limited resources.
The APM therefore urged the Federal Government to urgently reform the nation’s security architecture through improved intelligence gathering, enhanced funding and equipment for security agencies, stronger support for community-based security initiatives and constitutional reforms that would enable states to play a more active role in securing their territories.
The party maintained that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government and called for concrete action to address the country’s security challenges.
