By CHRIS NJOKU, Owerri
The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, (COSEYL) on Thursday condemned the recent directive by police authorities withdrawing all police escorts to Senators, House of Representatives members, Speakers and other political office holders in the South East.
Speaking to newsmen in Owerri on Thursday, the coalition leader, Goodluck Ibem who faulted the directive said the zone at this point in time needs security the most.
He believes that the directive was a calculated attempt to expose the Political office holders in South East to harms and attacks by hoodlums and unknown gunmen.
“Though we condemn in its totality the recent attacks on security formations in the southeast zone, especially the police force by unknown gunmen, it is not appropriate to give such directive to police commands only in the South East and Rivers State when the entire country is faced with the same security threats and challenges.
“Just two days ago, jihadists killed 31 soldiers in Northeast, Governor Babagana Zulum the executive governor of Borno State has been attacked severally by Boko Haram terrorists and his security details has not been withdrawn, then why the sudden directive in South East and Rivers State?
“This stern and punitive decision by the National Security Council and subsequent directive by the police force proves that the police force is parochial in handling a serious matter as national security,” he said.
Describing the decision as marginalization and victimization, he noted that the National Security requires a holistic approach rather than being given an ethnic or regional colouration.
He said such directives, if not reversed would expose southeast Senators, Reps members, Speakers and other Political office holders to security threats prevalent in society today.
“Removing their security details will bring more problems in the country. We need to remind the National Security Council and the police authorities that Political office holders are not optional but constitutional. It is mandatory that the Political office holders must be protected by the security agencies paid with taxpayers’ money.
He said with the current situation, it is necessary to restructure the country so that governors can take full charge of the security architecture in their respective states.
“We, therefore, call on the National Security Council and the police force to reverse the decision and directive withdrawing the security details attached to governors, Senators and other persons.” (The Nation)
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