By SIMON EBEGBULEM & GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

BENIN – Edo State Government, yesterday, launched its N10 billion Security Appeal fund with the former Governor Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, saying that the Federal Government had failed to tackle the security challenges in the country.

The national leader of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, who decried the Federal Government’s poor funding of security agencies in the country,  maintained that it would be misleading to describe governors as chief security officers of their states, when in actual fact, they do not have the wherewithal to protect their citizens due to the over bearing nature of the Federal Government.

Tinubu, who was the chief launcher at the Edo State N10 billion Security Appeal fund, regretted that “the Federal Government had failed to provide state governors with the desired funds that will enable them effectively secure the lives of their citizens.

“States have had to fund from their scarce resources effective policing in their states. In this year’s budget, for example, the Federal Government allocated  N921 billion for security, which amounts to a paltry 19.4 percent of the total budgetary outlay of N4.749 trillion. Yet, no state or country can attract investments and development without assurances of security of lives and property.

“Hence, I support wholeheartedly your (Edo) initiative to establish the Security Trust Fund to provide funds needed to enhance and ensure effective state policing. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect in view of  the security situation in the state and nationwide.

“Indeed, the rapidly deteriorating security situation across the country needs to be confronted and prevented. A fund like this will equip the security forces to confront the challenge and equip the Police force with armored vehicles,” he said.

On the killing of Olaitan Oyerinde and the death of three journalists in an accident, Asiwaju said: “I have a message for those who want to distract you from the urgent task at hand and turn Edo State into a theater of war; you have failed. You need not worry because you have the people behind you and with their support, you will overcome the forces of destruction and death.”