Kunle Adelabu
-As Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative Ltd sets to be launched this week
In what has been seen as another reaction to the security challenges in Ikorodu Division, the six Council Chairmen in the division have perfected plans to institute a Security Trust Fund in conjunction with the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF).
Their plans, according to report, was coming on the heel of the much – applauded establishment of the Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative Limited/GTE (IDPIL/GTE), a security architecture spearheaded by the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, HIS Royal Majesty, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi and other royal fathers in Ikorodu Division, Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria, with the Chairman, MultiChoice Nigeria and the Odofin of Ikorodu Kingdom, High Chief Adewunmi Ogunsanya, SAN, as the Chairman of the security architecture.
THE IMPACT has, however, gathered that the six Council bosses in Ikorodu Division – Hon. Wasiu Adeshina, Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju, Chairman, Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Builder Adeola Banjo, Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, Builder Sesan Daini, Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo – Alogba, Chairman, Ijede LCDA and Hon. (Prince) Wasiu Kunle Agoro, Chairman, Imota LCDA, have perfected plans to launch their own security initiative soon.
Meanwhile, many have seen the Chairmen’s action as a move to counter the IDPIL/GTE initiative which, according to report, they see as usurpation of their power.
THE IMPACT gathered that the Council helmsmen had held several meetings to perfect their plans and keep the details close to their chest to prevent the initiative from being derailed.
Our reporter also can authoritatively report that the Council Chairmen have received the governor’s blessings to put in place the structure. This, we also gathered, encouraged the management of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) to meet with them and also sent delegates to Ikorodu.
High –powered source also informed THE IMPACT that there was an attempt by the state government to collapse the IDPIL/GTE into the proposed Ikorodu Division Security Trust Fund (IDSTF) but the initiator bluntly refused on the ground that the council helmsman will not be able to manage the funds appropriately.
This, we gathered, further encouraged Ayangbure of Ikorodu and especially, Odofin Ogunsanya to be more committed to making IDPIL/GTE have sustainable structure and also have the much-needed funding.
We also gathered that this issue caused IDPIL/GTE to use the name, Ikorodu Division Security Trust Fund which they adopted initially.
Sources within the Chairmen’s Forum revealed that Council Chairmen in the division believed that they were not properly carried along in the establishment of the ikorodu Peace Initiative Limited.
THE IMPACT also gathered that leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikorodu are also in support of the Council Chairmen
“Chairmen are constitutionally empowered to provide security in their domains and it is within their power to institute security trust funds. But, in this case, that are not being carried along as a principal partner”, a source said.
“Chairmen, who are elected, should be fully involved in such a process and not just be invited.
“Elected Council officials are the ones that are going to be asked about the security situation in the council and if an arrangement is put in place to address security challenges, it is normal that they are involved right from the start”.
Another source who also spoke with THE IMPACT confirmed the rumor about the proposed establishment of another Security Trust Fund in lkorodu by the Chairmen.
“You are already aware and wouldn’t hide anything from you. Yes, I can confirm to you that chairmen have perfected arrangements on the establishment of an Ikorodu Security Trust Fund which will be made public soon”, he said.
“You should know that there is a law guiding the country and it is out of the law that we derived our powers as council chairmen. We are the Chief Security Officers in our respective domains and that is what we are doing with the attempt to establish the Ikorodu Division Security Trust Fund.
“We told them in one of our meetings with them at Ikorodu Local Government that we have our plans towards having security outfit. For example, Igbogbo/Bayeku and Imota LCDAs have already put in place their Security Joint Taskforce”, he added.
He said that the issue will be resolved at the appropriate time.
“Disagreement is part of development and we shall resolve the issue at the appropriate time. We are not going to be here permanently but people must respect the seat and not our person. So, it’s normal, it shall be resolved soon”, he added.
But many residents have shown their displeasure at the attempt to duplicate the security architecture instead of having a unified structure for better performance.
On the other hand, others are of the opinion that there is nothing wrong in having two structures and that time will tell which will stand the test of time and which is more accepted by the people.
“We are watching the scenario as it is unfolding and we shall react at the appropriate time. Sincerely, there is no need for the duplication. We expected our council chairmen to key into what we are doing in the IDPIL but they have not been forthcoming.
“Where were they when the entire division was on fire and cultists were killing themselves? Why were they not alive to their responsibilities then until the community now took up the challenge?”, he asked.
“Very soon, they will be made accountable for their actions”.
Meanwhile, another stakeholder that spoke with THE IMPACT, said that he did not see anything wrong in the duplication.
“It’s good and as far as I am concerned, it will promote healthy rivalry. We should allow them (council chairmen) to go ahead with their plan since it’s their constitutional right”, he said.
“Eventually, people that are the direct beneficiary will decide which one will survive or not. Let us wait and see which one residents and business owners will contribute towards. It’s a matter of acceptance”.
“I know of many that have made financial commitments to the IDPIL. In actual fact, a royal father has committed N500, 000 and is still planning to commit another half a million and he has also charged us that we too must pool our resources together and pay into it”, he added.
Meanwhile, the management of the IDPIL/GTE is set to officially launch the security architecture this week (Wednesday, March 9).
THE IMPACT gathered that the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo – Olu and other top dignitaries are scheduled to attend the event.
Speaking on the forthcoming formal inauguration of the IDPIL/GTE, Oba Shotobi revealed that the Governor of the State has provided a place at Ita – Elewa to be used as the body’s secretariat.
The royal father also revealed that aside the 20 vehicles and 50 motorbikes that High Chief Ogunsanya have purchased, he added that the Odofin of Ikorodu has also provided insurance scheme for the personnel of the Security Joint Task Force as well as made provision for their salaries.
