Benjamin Omoike I Wednesday, December 13, 2017
IKEJA, Lagos, Nigeria – Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state on Wednesday disclosed that the Federal Government would demolish the Jibowu and Costain bridges in the state.
Ambode, while addressing participants at the annual state Security Trust Fund Town Hall meeting at the State House in Alausa, said the bridges would be demolished to give way for the new rail project. He also said it was for the good of the residents and would increase the economy of the state.
“You must have read in newspapers today that two bridges in Lagos will be demolished. They are the Jibowu and Costain bridges, which will give way for the laying of tracks of a Lagos-Ibadan rail project,” he said.
Ambode explained that the demolition would give room for a rail track that would stretch from the old Fela shrine and end at the WAEC end of the area in such a way that no vehicle crosses the rail track.
While assuring that traffic would be managed during the project, he appealed to Lagosians to bear with the situation, saying the government regretted any inconveniences the situation may cause. “No doubt, a bit of not too much discomfort, but it will increase the economy of Lagos,” he said.
On kidnapping, Ambode said that plans had been concluded to procure a surveillance aircraft that could effectively gather intelligence in all parts of the state and assist significantly in dealing with the menace.
“It is pertinent to note that these criminals have not relented in their pursuit of evil, and they continue to test our resolve as crime is a business. We must demonstrate that we are prepared to do whatever it takes to make it exceedingly difficult for these criminals to succeed in their evil plots and in the event that they do, we will apprehend them and bring them to justice,” the governor added.
Ambode also urged people to install CCTV cameras in their various organisations to help expand the reach of law enforcement agents in the event of any security breach. “As responsible citizens and worthy stakeholders, you also have crucial part to play for the enhancement of security in the state,” he said.
Earlier, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Edgal Imohimi, said the introduction of community policing and the increase in police visibility had resulted in 35 per cent decline in crime. Imohinmi, however, said that despite the massive contributions of the state’s Security Trust Fund, dearth of patrol vehicles remained a challenge.
“Many vehicles attached to the divisions have become rickety and unserviceable due to old age and over usage,” he said.
Imohinmi said the command would not relent in its efforts to consolidate on the achievements recorded so far, but would appreciate if additional critical fighting equipment were provided. He said that this would help it improve on the successes so far recorded in its fight against crime and criminality.
Also, the Secretary of the state Security Trust Fund, Mr. Abdulrazaq Balogun, said there was need for organisations to commit to a consistent and sustainable model which could help strategic planning for improved security in the state.
