The Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu, has described the United States of America as a partner in progress to Nigeria, saying the two countries have so much going for them.
Speaking in an interview after a private visit of the American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs. Mary Beth Leonard to his palace, Oba Akiolu declared that the support of the US in the area of insecurity will ensure stability and progress for Lagos in particular and Nigeria in general.
His words: “As a sovereign nation that is confronted with many challenges, the United States can advise, share intelligence and support with equipment that will enable the country to combat insecurity and other pressing national difficulties.”
The Monarch also identified the Nigerian Police as an important player in the nation’s security system noting, however, that lack of equipment and inadequate welfare of officers had bred bad eggs among the personnel, just as he affirmed that the Police is servant to the public and admonished officers to treat civilians as they would love to be treated after service.
Oba Akiolu further explained that every Nigerian must be security conscious and very sensitive to their surroundings in order to provide timely information to security agencies when an unusual occurrence is noticed in the community.
“Security is everyone’s business and we all need to be security conscious. You see something, you say something”, he said.
While commending Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the efforts being made to improve on security of the State, Oba Akiolu averred that the continued influx of people into Lagos not only puts pressure on the infrastructure but also on the security architecture of the State, noting that he will continue to be a strong advocate of a special status for Lagos.
He added that traditional institutions and residents should support the government by being law-abiding and by paying their taxes promptly.
