PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar
Eko Hot Blog reports that the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has said a state policing system could have prevented the unfortunate terrorist attack that led to the abduction and killing of several passengers on a Kaduna-Abuja train.
Atiku made the statement on Sunday at the Arise News Town Hall Meeting organised for presidential candidates to answer questions about the economy and security.
He was responding to a question by anchor, Dr Reuben Abati, who asked what he could have done differently to prevent the loss of lives in the train attack.
According to Atiku, state policing is the answer to many of Nigeria’s security issues because states have the best knowledge of their environment.
“We must be looking at involving the state in the policing. They are in the best position to understand their area,” he said.
Presidential candidates at the Town Hall event
He bemoaned the current centralised policing system that gives little power to states.
“Just one centralised position is not good enough,” the PDP candidate said, adding that the military should ordinarily not involve itself in domestic security issues.
He, therefore, called for the strengthening of the Nigeria Police Force, saying that the welfare of the security agents must be a top priority.
Atiku also noted that it’s better to prevent such attacks from happening, instead of reacting to them.
“We must provide adequate welfare. They should have more pay. We should tackle the problem of employment. Also, we must educate our children,” he said.
The former vice president noted that there would not be possible results without educating people and giving them employment.
Atiku’s running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, is representing him at the ongoing town hall event.
Click to watch our video for the week:
Nigeria’s legal landscape reflects its unique cultural, religious, and historical context. Certain activities that…
Your heart is the engine of your body, tirelessly pumping blood and keeping you alive.…
Watermelon, the refreshing fruit loved by many, is more than just a summer treat. Packed…