By Tajudeen Adebanjo
The Muslim Congress (TMC), Lagos State chapter, has described Operation Amotekun as a proof of police incapability to protect the citizens.
The congress called for professionalisation of the security apparatus to eradicate brutality of citizens.
This, the association said, would improve quality information between the people and the security outfit for better security.
In a paper at the Public Hearing organised by Lagos State House of Assembly, AbdulHakeem Ogunbajo, reresenting the congress, praised the concept.
He said: “In as much as we support the idea of local enhancement of the security architecture, however, we wish to caution against potential organisational and functional frailties of the outfit that may portend mortal threat to the very lives it is supposed to protect given the sneaking suspicion that has trailed the creation of the outfit…’’
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TMC said people were concerned ‘’there is lack of clarity in its recruitment process and procedures’’, as well as ‘’suspicion of being hijacked by an ethnic militia …’’
“Our position is that it would rather be ill-advised to have a security intervention of this magnitude take root when it is still characterised by unsavoury reputation and sentiments.”
The congress urged the government to provide objective, honest and dispassionate response to these concerns to placate the public cynicism that has greeted the launch of the security outfit.
“Government should be open-minded in looking at the public agitation with utmost seriousness while ensuring that the project truly aligns with the Community Policing Strategy of the Federal Government as stated in the laws of the Police,” the group said.
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