Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday charged traditional rulers and community leaders in the State to join hands with the government to wage a total war against all forms of crimes as well as drug abuse in their various communities.
Governor Ambode, who spoke at the Fourth Quarter, 2017 Town Hall Meeting, the 9th in the series, held at the SUBEB Proposed Permanent Site in Kosofe Local Government, said the last four months of the year, popularly called the Ember months usually spring up security challenges.
He said his administration will not relent in its efforts towards reducing crime and misdemeanour, adding however that concerted efforts from the traditional rulers and community leaders, who are closest to the people, were very pivotal to achieving the desired result.
“We are in October and we are going to December, naturally, when it gets to the ember months, somehow traditionally, crime rate go up but in the last two years, we have been able to reduce crime rate when it is coming to December.
“I want to appeal to all our traditional rulers and other community leaders; there is a need for us to support the Neighbourhood Safety Corps. Also our volunteers and the people should now be more vigilant and then cooperate with our security agencies to maintain law and order. I want to reduce the crime rate to the barest minimum and I know that we are going to engage a lot of our youths in end of the year activities to make sure that peace continue to reign in Lagos,” the governor said.
Besides, Governor Ambode also implored the various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to increase their awareness campaign on the dangers of drug abuse, saying that there was an urgent need for them to also join the fight against all forms of domestic and sexual violence.
“Like people already know, we are at the forefront of fighting drugs, sexual abuse and violence against women and children, we will not relent in fighting these menace in the society. I believe strongly this is the time to talk to our children; I believe strongly this is the time to talk to our wards and even those who are around us that this time around, the state government is ready to fight crime in all its ramifications,” he said.
Ambode commended Lagosians for their continuous support to his administration, saying that it had gone a long way in driving the various infrastructural development programmes implemented by the state government.
Among dignitaries present at the event include Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, former Deputy Governor, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, former Speakers of the House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Hon Jokotola Pelumi, APC Chairman in Lagos, Chief Henry Ajomale, Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu I and other major traditional rulers, members of the State Executive Council, among others.
