Yemi Obafemi
Renowned cleric and founder of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, has called for the training of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to support national security efforts, while cautioning against the establishment of state police.
“The state police may work, but I tell you it will end up becoming a personal army for somebody who will begin to use it at some point to terrorize others.”
Ashimolowo stated this while speaking on Thursday’s edition of Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency and ordered an expansion in recruitment into the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force to address the country’s growing security challenges.
In a statement personally signed, the President said: “Today, in view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces. By this declaration, the police and the army are authorised to recruit more personnel. The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000.”
The cleric also encouraged Nigerians to back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following his recent declaration of a nationwide security emergency.
“Nigeria needs a turnaround. Let’s stand behind our president now that he has called for more policing, more soldiers.
“Let’s raise the security level, make our people proud to be Nigerians, let’s tap into the brain of our nation and also recognize global Africa.
“Every African nation wants to be Nigerians. They are so proud of us, Nigerians. We are the toughest, strongest, boldest and fearless”, he said.
