By Dakuku Peterside
The writings of Johann Von Goethe, German playwright and philosopher always fascinate me. “Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do”. Goethe wrote these immortal words in the 18th century, but its relevance in today’s world is incontrovertible. The underlining point here is that it is not just enough to know or to resolve, action is as important.
Goethe’s words came to my mind as I reflected on the security situation in Nigeria which has overtime, moved from bad to worse. And daily, I ask myself: have we done our best in our efforts at tackling the threat insecurity poses? For me however, the climax came last week when gunmen numbering about seven attacked a police station in Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State barely 24 hours after four police men were brutally murdered by another set of armed robbers in the same state. The seven man gang did not only kill and release suspects; they also carted away 14 AK47 Riffles and rounds of ammunition from the armoury.
Often, we all ask: how did we get here? I am afraid if we continue this way, there may be little or nothing left to bequeath to the next generation.
I still admire the robust politics of post independent Nigeria , the healthy rivalry among the regions and the excellent bearing and leadership qualities of the drivers of that era, I mean our founding fathers. Where then is that spirit of healthy competition today? And where is the peace and development we all sought and hoped for at the dawn of independence? These are questions we always ask ourselves anytime we unconsciously become too romantic of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Why are we no longer interested in replicating the good in our neighbour whether it is in the area of manufacturing, policy formulation and implementation, protection of human rights, provision of welfare services, good governance or in the fight against violent crimes which is on the rise?
The good news though is that not all our leaders are throwing up their hands in surrender. For one, I think the Rivers State example is one all of us could actually profit from. It is on record that within 30 days of assuming office, Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi reversed the prevailing anarchy and state of insecurity in the Rivers State . And with the state government’s vigorous vision on security, the state has witnessed drastic fall in crime rate in the last five years. By February 2012, crime rate dropped by 30 per cent.
When I had the privilege of serving in the government of Rivers State under the leadership of Governor Amaechi, I observed that he places high premium on security because he believes that security is the foundation upon which progress in every other facet of development depends. This is aside the government’s proactive disposition which draws substantially from intelligence gathering, surveillance and the fact that law enforcement agents could reasonably predict potential crime with near perfect accuracy.
Another interesting aspect of the Rivers model is the deployment of technology. Without sounding immodest, I can confidently say that the state’s security network is driven by excellent modern technology. Rivers was the first state to acquire a mobile scanning van known as back scatter. Around the Port-Harcourt metropolis, there are Gantry Scanners at strategic entry locations in Onne- Eleme Road, East-West Road, Choba Road , Onyibo Road , Ikwere Road , Aba Road and Mbiama Road among others.
Aside the use of machines, man is also a factor in the fight against insecurity. I am aware a superb community engagement exists in Rivers State . Apart from supporting community based intelligence gathering, there are also regular town hall meetings in all the 23 area councils of the state. To be frank, surveillance, intelligence gathering and a proactive disposition have all combined to help the government and its security apparatus to reasonably predict and tackle crime.
And like some states in the country, Rivers also encourages and supports all the security agencies in the fight against crime. Periodically too, the state reviews security administration processes with a view to ensuring that short response time is maintained at all times. There is also the fact that government does not compromise in enforcing the law and also the fact that RSVG insists all the time on bringing the full weight of the law on those who infringe on it. [eap_ad_1] But by far the most hard-wearing factor is the leadership by example and strength of character of Governor Amaechi. Matching words by action, Amaechi personally visits crime scenes, engages the people and sympathizes with victims. And such actions continue to have a lasting effect on the people. However, the governor is also lucky to have good men and women around him who appreciate his vision of a crime-free, peaceful and prosperous Rivers.