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Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the Archbishop Emeritus of the Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, has urged President Bola Tinubu to focus on equipping the existing police force rather than recruiting an additional 20,000 officers to effectively address the issue of insecurity.
This appeal was made by Cardinal Onaiyekan on Thursday during the 9th International Conference on Love and Tolerance held in Abuja. He cautioned that the nation cannot afford any delays in addressing insecurity.
“Currently in Nigeria, we need to build bridges so that all of us, both Christians and Muslims, can unite against our common adversary… those who are causing harm to us.
“We have finally reached a consensus to join forces and confront them. If we come together, we can manage the situation now. We should be capable of handling it.
“With all these capable soldiers and police officers, we should be able to confront them. I’m not convinced that we require 20,000 additional policemen. I believe that with the officers we currently have, if we provide them with the necessary equipment and support, they will fulfill their duties effectively,” he stated.
He also shared his thoughts on global religious harmony, cautioning that Nigeria is experiencing increasing local polarization despite efforts for global unity.
DAILY POST reminds us that the president recently announced plans to recruit an additional 20,000 police officers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Cardinal Onaiyekan oppose recruiting more police officers?
Cardinal Onaiyekan believes that instead of recruiting more officers, the existing police force should be properly equipped and supported to effectively tackle insecurity in the country.
What did Cardinal Onaiyekan emphasize about unity?
He emphasized the importance of unity among Christians and Muslims in Nigeria to confront the common threats they face together.
What was the context of Cardinal Onaiyekan's remarks?
His remarks were made during the 9th International Conference on Love and Tolerance, where he addressed the pressing issue of insecurity in Nigeria.


