One thing became crystal clear at the passing out parade and commissioning of 385 members of the Cadet Officers basic course twenty-seven (COBC 27), at the State Services Academy, Lagos State: Federal Government was through with treating issue of insecurity with kid gloves.
The fact was further highlighted by the appearances of at least four governors at the event, who each spoke on the importance of the occasion, underscoring the fact that the training which the cadet officers had received would go a long way in complementing the fight against terrorism in the country.
To show that their one year training at the State Services Academy, Lagos, was not spent having tea parties, the cadet officers treated the guests to a display of their prowess in evading terrorists, kidnappers and other likely criminals. They also highlighted how they could manoeuvre their vehicles in their likelihood of being chased by criminals. There were also displays of their proficiencies in handling and using fire arms.
It was gathered that the one year training was not too rosy for some of the cadets as many fell ill to the point of being rushed to hospitals, while others suffered ailments that warranted them going for surgery. Still more were involved in road accidents, as they journey to and fro to the academy, in their determination and quest to achieve the lofty dream of becoming an SSS officer.
But their joy knew no bounds on September 14, 2013, when executive governors and other top dignitaries showered praises on them as they paraded and listened to the hearty cheers of family members.
Dressed in black trousers, crisp white shirts, with red ties to match, the cadet officers where at that moment, cynosure of all eyes and hope to the decimation of terrorists in Nigeria.
President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by the Minister of Education, Barrister Nyesom Wike, said that though security challenges had increased in the country, but the Federal Government was doing it utmost to tackle these challenges. He added that to tackle insecurity in the Nigeria, Federal Government, in 2011 provided N237 million, in 2012 N300 million and this year N800million.
This was even as the Director General of the State Security Service, Ita Ekpeyomg, claimed that the SSS, Army and other security outfits have succeeded in decimating the Boko Haram sect.
According to Wike, it was also due to the federal government’s determination to tackle insecurity and terrorism in particular, that the government enacted the Anti-terrorism law.
Wike told the cadet officers that they were expected to be dexterous in handling modern technological equipments and have good people relation or else the money government had invested in the equipment and them would go to waste.
His words: “All the equipment bought to tackle terrorism will go to waste if you don’t know how to handle the equipments. And people should be able to trust you with information. An informant should not be punished. Also remember that a man is not guilty until he is proven to be guilty. Carry out your duty with all fairness and uphold the rule of law. The era of using brutality to elicit confessions should stop! Innocent people have died through that way.”
He also explained that it was due to challenges of insecurity that government was interested in proactive measures of combating insecurity. Wike reminded people that insecurity challenges abound in other countries, adding that in comparison with other countries, Nigerian society is safer.
Speaking in a voice resounding with pride as he looked at the cadet officers, Ita said: “We are aware of the dynamics of global insecurity, and how it has manifested in the forms of terrorism and insurgency in our country. And to cope with these ever changing threats, the Service has placed the highest premium on human capacity development and requisite technology acquisition. Accordingly, we are highly indebted to the President who has done more than any other Government to assist the Service to acquire modern technology/equipment in order to enhance our capacity. We can no longer use analogue methods, equipment and personnel to solve digital age problems.
“Consequently, in order to keep abreast with the ever changing security challenges, our operatives must be well equipped, their knowledge, competences and skills constantly updated and enhanced, In order to enable them to be a step ahead of the adversaries. During the last three years, we have reinvented and re-engineered our strategies for human resource development for optimum performance and productivity. This implies that training and re-training had to be regular, state-of-the-art equipment had to be acquired, the welfare and health of staff must be given priority; while proper housing and office accommodation are vigorously being implemented.|”
Ita continued: “The modest achievements so far made by the Service in the fight against terrorism could be attributed to the Service huge investment in human capacity development. Consequently, we have been in the forefront in the war against terrorism. This is because of the Service’s vast knowledge on terrorist’s network, foresightedness and robust operations based on trained manpower and latest technical resources. The Service with other security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Army (NA) under the leadership of the Chief of Army Onyeabor Ihejirika has been able to degrade the terrorist infrastructure in the country. We can confidently say that we have decimated the terrorists’ top and middle level leadership, its foot soldiers thereby dislodging its centre of gravity. There is no doubt that our strategies have invariably affected the cohesion of the group as well as the chain of command, to the level that the group, for now does not possess the capacity to direct and launch simultaneous attacks on several cities/targets in Nigeria as had been the situation in the past two years. We intend to build and consolidate on our successes in this war against the terrorists’ in order to create a conducive environment for democracy and development.”
Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshimole, said he was particular pleased with the emphasized on security training, especially in view of the security challenges in the country.
According to him, “terrorists have become more sophisticated. We need to check terrorists, so that people can live in peace. We can never spend too much on training.”
Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi commended Ita for his tenaciousness in the promotion of State Security Services in Nigeria, adding: “You’ve brought the SSS where it ought to be. We thank President Jonathan for giving you the withal to make SSS what it is today! In the hierarchy of needs, security is at the top.”
The Governor of Cross Rivers State, Liyel Imoke told the cadets that in a few minutes they would be officers, adding that they were being celebrated for many reasons. One of which was that the cadets represented the generation that would drive the academy and Nigeria forward in the fight for better security.
He added: “You stand as the best and have distinguished yourselves. You’re loyal to your nation and institution. Our security now rest on you. We’re a nation that likes infrastructure but the greatest infrastructure to build is the human mind. The human mind can build other infrastructures. What we see today with Ita, is not surprising. It is typical of him. He provided the leadership we see reflected in this men and women today.”
And to the cadet officers, Imoke said: “You’re to us, a representation of the rekindled spirit of what we as people are. We pray you reach the peak of your career. And hope you help to attain the vision of President Jonathan, which can only be achieved in a society free of insecurity.”
Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio told the young officers, that he was very proud of them. According to him, in his state, SSS was doing very well when it comes to issues of security. “SSS is a very important arm of the country. It strives for the continuity of Nigeria as a nation. The service is not about money. You have placed the safety of your country above your personal life. This is not a place for acquisition of money, but of service to the country. Don’t allow a flaw in your character to spoil your future.”
Governor Akpabio stole the show by making a donation of N10million to the Academy. The Governor of Lagos State, Raji Fashola was represented by the Chief Security Officer, to the governor, Major Tunde Panus. Also in attendance were Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service (CGI), Mr. David Paradang, former SSS DG, Chief Albert Horsefall, among others.
No comments:
Post a Comment