By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
Worried by the incessant banditry attacks and other criminal activities across Nigeria, the National Economic Council (NEC) rose from its meeting on Thursday held at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja resolving to heavily punish anyone involved in crime and criminality without fear or favour.
This was part of the recommendations arrived at in the NEC meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and attended in-person by a large number of state governors including Ogun state Governor Dapo Abiodun and Kebbi state Governor Atiku Bagudu who briefed State House Correspondents after the parley.
Governor Abiodun revealed that NEC agreed that there is need for the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of crimes in Nigeria no matter how highly placed.
He also said that it was unanimously agreed at the meeting that decisive actions will be taken against cross-border crimes as it has been resolved that the Federal Government will strengthen its borders to forestall a situation bandits will enter Nigeria’s territory to commit crime and run back to where they came from.
Abiodun also said that NEC approved holding of Stakeholders meeting across Nigeria like he hosted in Ogun state recently with governors from some Northern region in attendance to foster unity.
Specifically, he said NEC also agreed that forest reserves across Nigeria must be protected while vigilante groups must operate under Nigerian laws.
Council deliberated on how forests should be better managed and secured against criminals and criminality and resolved thus:
“That State Governments have statutory jurisdiction over forest reserves and will seek federal support for efforts to eradicate forest-based crime.
Also speaking at the briefing, Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu Council sets up of a Committee to brainstorm on the ways to deal with the spate of insecurity in the country, adding that Governors have agreed to do everything it takes to stem the ugly tide.
According to him: “Council received update on the General Security Situation and the Implementation of Community Policing in the states by His Excellency Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state”.
He also disclosed that NEC received the presentation on the pulling of 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years by Chairman of Presidential Economic Advisory Committee PEAC while the Minister of State, Budget and National Planning made a presentation on the Reviewed National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP).
He also said that NEC received presentation on the State of Voters Access to Polling Units in Nigeria from the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Among the Governors present at the NEC meeting are Godwin Obaseki- Edo, Darius Ishaku- Taraba, etc.
