By Daniel Tyokua
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has presented another set of fifty new Hilux operational vehicles to security agencies to tighten security in the nation’s capital, Abuja.
Wike had in the last July donated fifty vehicles of the same make to the security agencies, bringing the total number to one-hundred operational vehicles in six month.
At the donation in Abuja on Thursday, he said the initiative was another step towards the curbing of insecurity in the six Area Councils and the capital city.
He explained that his administration must not allow criminals to strike before before taking action.
The minister said the security issue was well provided in the budget and there was nothing to use as an excuse.
“We must not allow these criminals to strike before we go in. We have to take the war to them. Let them know that we are serious.
“Make sure that we don’t give them any gap. I don’t want anybody to say because there was no vehicle before we could not reach there, something has happened,” he charged security agents”
Wike added that, “On the issue of security, we are well provided for in the budget, we have no excuse. We are building roads, yes. We are refurbishing schools, yes, we need people to be alive. Who will use the facilities if we don’t have security? Security is key in any government. The government that cannot take care of their people, protect life and property, has no business to be in government.”
“The last three, four months, we gave out 50 of these vehicles to federal security agencies. Now again, we are providing another 50 brand new vehicles, not fairly at all.m”
Wike commended security agencies for the work they have been doing to enable residents sleep with two eyes closed.
He assured the Police that in few months time, the on – going 12 Divisional stations under construction would be completed and commissioned for their use.
The minister, however warned security agencies, especially the Police to use the vehicles for the purpose for which they are purchased and not use the vehicles for family runs.
The operational vehicles were distributed to the Police and other security agencies. The Police was given 25 vehicles, five vehicles were allocated to DSS FCT Command, NSCDC was given five and the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade was given five also.
Others are two vehicles to the Nigerian Navy, Abuja unit, two for Nigerian Air Force Camp, Abuja and six vehicles to FCT SDAs.
In his remarks, Senate Committee chairman on FCT and Ancillary Matters, Sen David Jimkuta noted that security and welfare of the people remain the key functions of government.
He said the presentation of the vehicles was a signal that Wike was awake and will not allow criminals in Abuja this festive season and beyond. “Abuja will be safe this period and beyond.” He said.
