Nigeria Content Online

The
Nigerian Medical Association, yesterday, criticised the federal
government on the declining security in the country, blaming the
weekend’s abduction of journalists on an “insensitive” government, and
a “corrupt” police.

The NMA, through
its chairman, Idris Omede, condemned the government’s response to the
rampaging insecurity in some areas of the country, which is hallmarked
by incessant kidnappings, such as the four journalists abducted last
Sunday.

In a statement on
Tuesday, Mr. Omede said the shocking hostage taking, and other similar
cases, show a falling commitment on the part of government, to the
security of lives and properties, amid thickening attacks by criminals.

Living in perpetual fear

“We are bothered by
this way of insecurity and perpetual fears, consequent upon the
government and system in attention to materials, equipment, and
manpower on security matters,” he said.

The association
said the government and the police have failed to ensure safety of
Nigerians through a culture of lack of dedication and severe corruption
in the policing system.

“These smack of government insensitivity, poor neighbourhood or community policing, unseriousness and corruption in the system.”

The association
said the situation now calls for urgent action on the part of the
federal government and claimed that some of its members too have also
been kidnapped within the region in the past few months.

“A people and
productivity centered government should put a halt to this. Nigeria
government should live up to her responsibility, one of which is to
protect life and properties.”

The association
called for the prompt release of the abducted journalists, a day after
the Inspector General of Police announced an ultimatum to the abductors.

“NMA expresses concern that these act will continue to impact
negatively on conducive business environment for national development,”
it warned.