By Ibrahim Biu
No doubt, security and the protection of lives and property of FCT residents is an issue of huge concern to the FCTA- led administration of Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed. Following directives from the President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, an emergency security meeting was held in Abuja early in the week which was presided over by Mr. President himself in order to provide increased security surveillance to Abuja, the nation’s capital.
This directive became necessary due to the fear and anxiety among FCT residents following two bomb incidents and bomb scare at the Federal Secretariat and National Assembly last week. During the first and second bomb incidents about 100 persons lost their lives and many vehicles were damaged while many other people were also injured.
The FCT minister and his team have been busy doing their best to ensure the adequate protection of lives and property. He and security agencies have advised FCT residents to go about their legitimate duties without fear as according to them proper arrangements have been put in place for their safety and that of their property.
Theses assurances have become necessary because apart from Abuja being the nation’s capital, it is now playing host to the whole world. As from Wednesday the 7th of May, 2014 to Friday 9th of May, 2014, over 1, 200 delegates from across the world will be in the city to attend the 24th edition of the World Economic Forum, holding in Abuja with its theme titled “forging inclusive growth, creating jobs”.
Sen. Bala said last week through his SA Media, Mr. Nosike that Abuja is the face of Nigeria and nobody wants his face scratched. Therefore everything humanly possible is being done to make Abuja a safe place for all of us. We will continue to do our best on this issue of security.”
He said the residents should help security people with useful information since everybody is part of the government, adding that the 12 million eyes in Abuja should assist our security people to do their jobs of securing lives and property all over the FCT.
Recently measures adopted by Sen. Bala Mohammed are necessary because as explained by one security consultant, Samuel Ojo, recently, many Nigerians are worried about the lack of proper prosecution and punishment of persons involved in security breaching at all levels. After all every Nigerian should be involved in security issues unlike before when people feel only the government is responsible for our security.
The forum will help towards bringing investors to Africa and will create job opportunities to millions of people in developing countries like Nigeria which is a leader in Africa.
Therefore the enhanced security measures adopted by Bala and his team have become necessary especially in view of the importance of the forum and due to the current security threats issued by some miscreants who have struck about two or three times in Abuja within the past two years.
Apart from allaying the anxiety of FCT residents the measures adopted by Sen. Bala will re-assure participants at the forum which involves heads of governments and foreign envoys from all over the world about the safety of their lives and their property.
Those who have been putting heads with Sen. Bala about the issue of enhanced security in Abuja include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army, Chief of Air Staff, Inspector General of Police, representatives of DG SSS, and DG national intelligence.
Decisions taken by the Presidency and by the enhanced security committee are important and should be vigorously implemented because lack of punishing offenders have contributed to the on-going poor attitude of security issues by some Nigerians.
With our check points being heavily monitored by security men and our airports properly secured as assured recently by the FAAN Managing Director, Engr. Saleh Dunoma the safety of the over 1, 200 participants as well as FCT residents have been guaranteed. Engr. Saleh has been able to properly secure all our 26 airports especially that of Abuja and Lagos for the security benefit of air travelers. In fact the disbelief and anger of some residents to recent happenings will be replaced with hope and optimism.
Ibrahim Biu sent this piece from Jabi, Abuja.
