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National Public Discourse Debuts with State Police

By on September 22, 2012

Nigerian police Force

The highly contentious issue of state policing in Nigeria will take centre stage on Tuesday September 25, 2012 when the maiden edition of the National Public Discourse holds at the Agip Recital Hall of MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos at 10am.

According to a statement by the Public Affairs Directorate of CMC Connect (Perceptions Managers), conveners of the forum, the National Public Discourse will be a periodic platform for the healthy exchange of ideas, views, and positions regarding issues of national significance.

Expected at this discourse, will be a cross section of proponents and opponents of the concept of state policing. They include state governors, security experts, public analysts, legal practitioners and members of the civil society groups.

Specifically invited as speakers are Governors Babatunde Fashola, Rotimi Amaechi, Babangida Aliyu, Jonah Jang, Adams Oshiomole  and Kayode Fayemi. They will be joined by representatives of Former Inspector Generals of Police Forum and the media,

According to the Group Head, Public Affairs Directorate of CMC Connect, Mr. Tola Odusote, “the National Public Discourse is not designed to draw conclusions or take a pre-determined stands on any issue being discussed, but rather it will provide the necessary platform to promote dialogue which is an essential ingredient of any democracy”.

It will be recalled that the growing state of insecurity has continued to task Nigerian governments and the citizenry on the need to remodel the current security structure. While many are of the opinion that the solution is in allowing various levels of policing, others have objected to it, citing the high propensity to abuse that it may occasion.

Mr. Odusote went further to explain that the Public Affairs Directorate of CMC Connect (Perceptions Managers) has committed itself to bridging the communication gap between those in government and those being governed, a vision which has given rise to the National Public Discourse.

Odusote urged all relevant stakeholders to get involved in creating their national destiny by participating actively in the National Public Discourse.

Arrangements are being made to transmit the discourse live on both social and traditional media. The event is being supported by Daar Communications’ AIT and Ray Power. Others are Rainbow FM, Interior Options and Core Media.