Wednesday, 24 October 2012

OUR OPINION: THE NIGERIAN SECURITY FORCES CAN WORK IF THEY REALLY WANT TO WORK



Sometimes, I wonder how the Nigerian Security Forces operate and handle rescue missions. Who do they own their loyalty? Who controls the police? Who are the barrack guys accountable to?  Is their allegiance for the entire citizens of this great nation to get justice at every point in time or just for some quarters which seem to have the resources at their disposal to influence justice?  The handling of the murder of Cynthia Osokogu
in Lagos, Olaitan Oyerinde in Edo state, the Mubi killings in Adamawa and the recent Aluu killings in Port Harcourt could not go off the radar of our investigative team even though the lives of those young students could have been rescued if they had done things right on time. Kudos can easily be accrued for that. But the death of the former minister of Power, Chief Bola Ige, the assassination of the governorship aspirant, Dipo Dina in Ogun state in 2010, the killing Of Engr Funso Williams in Lagos, the genocide of Odi and Zakibiam, the murder of an army general on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway etc , are events that seem to be going the entire life time to investigate, name, and prosecute  those responsible in accordance to the rule of law. Are these things deliberate or just tall orders?

I am of the opinion that an average member of our security forces is brilliant and intelligent by the way some criminal investigations are carried out at times. But I get confused when some criminal issues seem to be swept under the carpet by the same force. Or are they just coincidental? I have asked series of questions on their capability and effectiveness especially when I try to compare them with their foreign counter pacts. But my final conclusion on them in the last few months has been that, “Nigerian Police can work if they really want to work”. But it seems they just choose when, where and how to work or not to ork especially when some powers that be begin to dictate or influence the pace. Another thing is that they seem to be very good in carrying out investigations than engaging in rescue missions.

Come to think of it, the same police force that could not tell us who killed Chief Bola Ige is the one that is prosecuting the killer of Olaitan Oyerinde, personal secretary to the Edo state governor, Adams Oshiomole. The same police that failed in the investigation of the death of Engr Funso William, is currently prosecuting the retired general’s daughter, Cynthia Osokogu .The same police force that could not investigate the crime of Odi is bringing the Aluu killers to book. The real master minder of Aluu killing was declared wanted by the police force in a country where anyone can sneak in or sneak out in a jiffy; same guy was caught by the police a day after. The Mubi killing was another good example. Then our forces can actually to do a great job if they really want to.

Then, how long are we going to continue in this suspicious selection of justice as a nation? Or were our prisons built for people of low cadre alone? Can’t the so called “great” smell the four walls of our detention yards except they find themselves in Britain like James Ibori? Only time will tell.  It is still a misery to me. Thanks.Pls share.

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