Being Text of a Speech by His Excellency, Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma, OON (Madauchin Doma), Executive Governor of Nasarawa State on the Occasion of the Launching and Donation of 50 Units Security Vehicles in Support of Security Agencies in Nasarawa State: Township Stadium, Lafia, 19th December, 2008

PROTOCOL:

I am delighted to welcome you all to this historic occasion of the launching of fifty (50) units of security vehicles donated by the Nasarawa State Government to security agencies in the State.

In particular, I heartily welcome our Special Guest of Honour, the Inspector-General of Police, Sir (Dr.) Mike Mbama Okiro, CFR, NPM, mni, who has accepted our invitation and has taken time out of his busy schedule to honour us with his esteemed presence. Inspector-General, sir, this kind gesture is a clear testimony of your commitment to ensuring that all Nigerians, wherever they live, enjoy maximum peace and security.

Let me also welcome and thank other top brass of security agencies, our distinguished guests and members of the public for honouring our invitation. The impressive turnout on this occasion demonstrates our collective concern and support for the fight against crime in our society.

Ladies and gentlemen, you would recall that on assumption of office in May, 2007, I emphasised that the welfare and security of the people are the primary responsibilities of government. In acknowledging this fact and in recognition of the importance of security as the pivot of socio-economic development, I pledged that this Administration shall accord top priority to guaranteeing the security of lives and property of our people.

The donation of these security vehicles to our security agencies today, is therefore aimed at assisting in the arduous task of crime prevention and control.

Ladies and gentlemen, I appreciate the commitment of our people to the pursuit of a peaceful, secure and crime-free society. However, no society can be said to have attained a totally crime-free status. Neither can any society be isolated or insulated from criminal threats occasioned by internal and external factors.

One of the consequences of the proximity of Nasarawa State to the Federal Capital Territory, and the infiltration of criminals from other areas impose on us, is the challenge to take all necessary measures to control the activities of criminals in the State. It is in this connection that we are determined to squarely address these ugly and disturbing threats.

We do appreciate the efforts of the security agencies in the State. However, we expect these agencies to redouble their efforts in their constitutional role of enforcing law and order in the face of the worrisome activities of men of the underworld. I assure you all that this Administration will continue to complement these efforts within the constraints of available resources.
I am glad to point out that our Traditional Rulers, as leaders in their communities, appreciate their role in ensuring the safety of lives and property of their people. What is more, they have expressed concern and have pledged to cooperate with government and security agencies in our collective fight against crime and criminality.

In the area of inter-state collaboration in crime management, I am happy to state that Nasarawa State is a member of the G6 zonal security network involving the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kogi, Benue, Kaduna and Niger States. Although this security initiative is a welcome development, the need for its expansion and sustainability cannot be overemphasized.

Ladies and gentlemen, I need to point out that the 50 Ford Ranger 4-wheel drive vehicles which are being donated today, are equipped with facilities to interlink the security agencies with a view to ensuring rapid response in crime prevention and control throughout the State. It is my hope and indeed, my expectation, that this gesture will go a long way in assisting the security agencies in the efficient performance of their constitutional responsibilities. I also expect that they will all reciprocate this gesture with renewed commitment and dedication to duty.

I cannot forget to commend the various security agencies in the State for their commitment to duty and professionalism. I urge you all to continue to put public interest and security above every other consideration. I assure you all of continued Government support and understanding in the discharge of your onerous duties.

At this juncture, I need to remind us all that the fight against crime is the joint responsibility of all of us in the State. I therefore call on all and sundry to rise up to this challenge and remain vigilant in the collective effort of controlling crime in our communities. Ladies and gentlemen, to sleep with our eyes closed in Nasarawa State, is a collective task that must be done!

Finally, let me once again thank the Inspector-General of Police, and all our special guests for honouring us with their distinguished presence at this occasion.

It is now my pleasure to hand over the fifty (50) units of security vehicles procured by Nasarawa State Government and donated to security agencies in the State for crime prevention and management.
May God continue to guide and protect us at all times.

Thank you.