Arm vigilantes pending state police, Clarion Chukwurah tells Tinubu

Veteran Nollywood actress Clarion Chukwurah has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to implement immediate interim security measures to address Nigeria's escalating insecurity. While commending the president's move to establish state police as a step in the right direction, Chukwurah highlighted the potential lengthy timeline for its full implementation.

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I applaud the fact that you once became a fugitive on behalf of democracy in Nigeria and your recent move to facilitate the creation of state police to combat insecurity in our country.

In an open letter shared on her Instagram page, the actress acknowledged the importance of state police in combating insecurity. However, she pointed out that the process of establishing and deploying these forces nationwide, particularly in rural areas plagued by kidnappers, could take one to two years. Given the urgent need for intervention, Chukwurah argued for immediate supplementary security solutions.

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Sir, we know the process that will lead to its actual full-scale operations in every state will take at least one to two years, especially in extending its operations into the villages in the rural states where the activities of kidnappers are overwhelming and require immediate urgent solution.

Chukwurah emphasized that insecurity and poverty are significant impediments to Nigeria's national development. She suggested that the government's efforts are being hampered by political pressures, corruption, and widespread unemployment, which she believes are the primary drivers of rising crime. The actress noted that many impoverished Nigerians do not comprehend the challenges facing the administration and often perceive the government as an adversary.

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Sir, the average Nigerian living in poverty does not believe that you are not the enemy, or understand that there are challenges your government has to face. This is why I have chosen to make this plea because there cannot be any meaningful progress in the current state of Nigeria crippled by insecurity and poverty from the present economic crisis, no matter how well-meaning your intentions are.

To bridge this gap and provide immediate protection, Chukwurah proposed channeling a portion of the National Security Emergency Intervention Fund towards strengthening community self-defense. She advised the president to empower armed vigilante groups, granting them the capacity to bear arms and protect their respective communities. The actress condemned the abduction of children, describing it as a grave concern that requires swift and decisive action.

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Mr President, please direct the use of a part of the billions of the National Security Emergency Intervention Fund to support community self-defense through vigilantes who are given the capacity to bear arms and protect their communities.