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* Backs community policing
By Cletus Opukeme
The Delta online publishers Forum (DOPF) has resolved that security is a collective responsibility of everybody and should not be solely left to security agencies.
Tha every individual has a role to play in ensuring a safer society, fostering a communal effort to tackle insecurity effectively.
Empowering Traditional Rulers
Traditional rulers should be vested with more authority to secure their communities.
In a communique at the just concluded Delta online publisher forum 2024 convention held at Asaba by the communique drafting committee, Mr. Augustine Oyibode, chairman Mr. Kenneth Orusi, Secretary and Onitsha, Mnipr stated said ”Their intimate knowledge of the people and the terrain makes them more effective in addressing local security challenges compared to external security personnel.Community-Driven Security Solutions
Communities must take proactive measures to address security issues within their jurisdictions. Local solutions are deemed the most effective, as most security challenges originate from within communities where people know one another.
”Discouraging the Celebration of Questionable Wealth
Society, including individuals, religious organizations, and families, must desist from celebrating or glorifying individuals whose wealth sources are questionable.
Rejecting Untraceable Financial Gifts
Parents and religious groups must refuse financial gifts from individuals with untraceable sources of wealth. Instead, such acts should be publicly rebuked to set a moral precedent.
Promoting Equity, Justice, and Fairness
Government officials must exhibit fairness and justice in their dealings with all citizens, irrespective of social or economic status. Bias toward the wealthy at the expense of the less privileged must be eradicated.
Reforming Police Strategies
The Nigeria Police Force must adopt more flexible and community-centred approaches to security issues.” the communique declared.
Continuing. ” The forum supported the implementation of community policing as a strategy to curb crime effectively at the grassroots level.
Economic Challenges Are No Excuse for Crime
Economic hardship should not serve as justification for engaging in criminal activities. The law remains unyielding in prosecuting offenders who hide under such excuses.
Incorporating Security Education into School Curricula
The school curriculum should be revised to introduce security education as a subject in both primary and secondary schools. This will equip young people with the knowledge to understand and address security challenges.
Vigilance Among POS Operators and Okada Riders
Point of Sale (POS) operators and commercial motorcycle (Okada) riders must remain vigilant to avoid being used by criminals for illicit activities and as tools for escape.
Communal Responsibility in Security Management
Citizens and communities must stop blaming the government entirely for security failures. Instead, they should devise practical strategies to improve their collective well-being and address security issues locally.
Traditional Rulers Must Uphold Integrity
Traditional rulers must avoid involvement in criminal activities. They should act as custodians of morality and security within their domains, refusing to aid or abet criminal elements.
Restoring Moral Values
There is an urgent need for a societal rebirth to restore lost moral values. This includes rejecting behaviors that debase individuals and communities, thereby fostering integrity and accountability.
Criminalizing Result Forgery by Parents
Parents who buy or forge examination results for their children should be regarded as criminals and face prosecution. Such actions undermine societal values and erode trust in educational institutions.
Revisiting Traditional Crime-Combating Methods
Age-long and culturally rooted methods of combating crime should be explored and integrated into modern security strategies.
Ending Politically Motivated Crime Support
Public officials must refrain from encouraging or supporting criminal activities at the grassroots level for political expediency. Such actions compromise the security and stability of local communities.
The communique reflects a commitment to fostering a secure and morally upright society through individual, communal, and institutional efforts. The DOPF remains steadfast in its role as a voice for societal transformation and accountability.”’
