Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola has faulted the United States
bomb threat report on the state, saying it could cause panic in the country.
The report- a travel note – had warned US citizens in Nigeria, saying
“groups associated with terrorism” could be planning to attack Sheraton Hotel
in Lagos.
But Fashola said such report that could further heat up the polity
should have been better handled by the US.
The governor, who spoke while handing over 100 patrol vans and 150
motorcycles to the state’s police command, insisted that the warning was
wrongly channelled and was capable of creating panic in the country.
He said the US should have followed due diplomatic process by
sharing such privileged information with the home government rather than making
it public.
He said, “There is no further information regarding the timing and
method of the attack. US citizens were just cautioned to avoid the hotel. I
think there are channels of communication which information of that type can
shared without creating panic. And I think that citizens of all nations can be
protected without throwing a cat among pidgins.
“I will hope that we are more circumspect in the way we share
information and that our intentions are noble.
“This is very important. At this time, what the country needs is more
information in the right hands, to the right places. This will assist our
agencies and government to overcome this difficult period”.
The governor said he was disturbed by the recent abduction of
about 200 school girls in Chibok,Borno ,urging all Nigerians to unite to ensure
their rescue.
He added that the patrol vans and motorcyles were donated through
the state’s Security Trust Fund to strengthen security in the
state.
He urged the police in the state to be dedicated to their duty and
ensure judicious use of the items.
Fashola said, “These tools mean nothing unless we have dedicated men and
women who choose to act professionally in the responsibility of law enforcement
entrusted upon them”.
The Commissioner of Police,Umar Manko, commended the state government,
adding that the materials would help law enforcement agents in discharging
their responsibilities.