Former DSS Director Mike Ejiofor has called on politicians to put national interests above personal ambitions, emphasising that without a stable Nigeria, there would be no country to govern.
Ejiofor, In an interview with Arise News on Wednesday, also advocated for urgent reforms in VIP Security Solutions to solve Nigeria’s Growing Security Challenges.
“Our politicians should note that if there is no Nigeria, there is no place for them to govern. They must put Nigeria first,” he urged.
He also discussed Tinubu’s recent directive to reduce VIP security costs and stressed the need for broader security reforms, including establishing state police, especially to address political issues fueling unrest in the South.
In response to president Tinubu detectives, he said “I will look at it from two angles: the security aspect and cutting down costs. I don’t see how he is going to cut down cost except through the reduction of vehicles.”
“So, I think the president must have looked at the extra vehicles and considered them wasteful. Now, with the increase in fuel prices, putting so many vehicles on the road will increase costs.”
From a security perspective, Ejiofor supported limited personnel for ministers and MDAs but voiced concerns about abuse of police escorts by individuals with “no means of livelihood.”
He mentioned, “We have cases of people with questionable character being protected by multiple police officers,” and cited a recent incident involving Mascot Ikwechegh.
“He was boasting that he would ‘use the police with him and deal with a driver.’ Such dishonorable actions damage the image of law enforcement.”
Ejiofor noted that past directives to limit police escorts have been inconsistently implemented. “If you recall, the Inspector General of Police directed the withdrawal of these police details.
“Now, over 120,000 officers are deployed for VIP protection, which depletes the police force’s available manpower for general duties.
“A lot of people are using police to abuse innocent citizens, which is very unprofessional.”
Ejiofor suggested the reduction of VIP convoy sizes to a minimum of three vehicles.
Ejiofor also highlighted broader security concerns, especially for government installations, and suggested the involvement of the Civil Defense Corps.
“These vulnerable points need protection, and Civil Defense should be engaged to stabilise localities where we face security challenges,” he said.
Ejiofor emphasised that without addressing security, economic recovery would remain difficult.
Looking at solutions, Ejiofor advocated for the establishment of state police, noting that “security problems are local and require local solutions. Some states can afford it; others cannot, but it’s a viable option to consider.”
He addressed the political issues in the South, particularly in relation to Nnamdi Kanu and the “sit-at-home” protests, which he described as a “political problem requiring a political solution.”
Ejiofor suggested dialogue with Kanu, who has assured he would control those exploiting the situation if released. “Our economy is grounded every Monday due to sit-at-home orders. The government should engage with Kanu to address these issues.”
Boluwatife Enome
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