Wale Jagun
The attention of the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olushola Sanwo – Olu, has been drawn to one of his promises to make law enforcement agents in the state, accountable and uphold high standard professional practice in tune with the global standard by wearing body – worn cameras.
A concerned resident and former candidate for the Ikorodu Constituency I seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Adekunle Razaq Aderibigbe (ARA), called the attention of the Governor to the promise in a letter sent to him on Monday, reminding the him of the promise.
In the letter titled, “SECURITY: Implementation of Body-Worn Cameras for Law Enforcement Officers in Lagos State”, a copy of which was sent to THE IMPACT, Aderibigbe also stated that the adoption of this modern technological tool is not only to fulfill the Governor’s pledge, but also for the state to show good example for the Nigerian Police Force to copy.
He stated that the adoption of the body – worn camera will not only make security agents accountable, but will also go a long way in building trust between the law enforcement and the citizenry.
Aderibigbe’s letter is reproduced below:
Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu
The Governor of Lagos State,
Lagos State Government House,
Alausa, Ikeja,
Lagos State, Nigeria.
7 August 2023
SECURITY: Implementation of Body-Worn Cameras for Law Enforcement Officers in Lagos State
Your Excellency,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I write to you as a concerned citizen and human rights activist, deeply invested in ensuring the protection of the rights and welfare of the people of Lagos State. I am compelled to bring to your attention a matter of great importance, which involves the implementation of body-worn cameras for law enforcement officers within the state.
It is with great concern that I draw your attention to the commitments made by your esteemed administration regarding the use of body-worn cameras by law enforcement agencies in Lagos State. On various occasions, these promises have been echoed by high-ranking officials of your government, as well as by your own esteemed self.
Reference is made to the statement by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), on December 23, 2020, at the Ministerial Press Briefing held at JJT Park, Alausa, Ikeja, wherein it was disclosed that the Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI) had carried out training for 11,234 Law Enforcement Officers in the 2019 fiscal year, signalling a commendable initiative toward enhancing the efficiency and professionalism of law enforcement agencies in the state.
Furthermore, your Excellency, your pronouncement on March 31, 2021, wherein you inaugurated the use of body-worn cameras by law enforcement officers in Lagos, was received with hope and optimism by the people. Your commitment to enhancing safety, transparency, and accountability in the activities of law enforcement agencies through this groundbreaking move is indeed commendable.
Dr. Ifalade Oyekan, the General Manager of Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency, further reinforced these promises on July 20, 2022, when he disclosed the agency’s intention to introduce crime data banks and body-worn cameras for officers, as part of efforts to rebrand the agency and secure the entire metropolis of the state.
However, it is with regret that I bring to your attention the apparent delay and lack of progress in the implementation of this vital initiative. The use of body-worn cameras is not just a matter of technological advancement; it is a fundamental aspect of modern law enforcement that ensures accountability, transparency, and protection of the rights of both citizens and officers.
In light of the above, I humbly request the Lagos State Government, to take swift and proactive action in ensuring the full implementation of the use of body-worn cameras by law enforcement officers across the state. The adoption of this modern technological tool is not only a promise made to the people of Lagos, but also a commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, justice and fairness in law enforcement practices.
I also recommend that your esteemed office extends your influence and recommendation to the Nigeria Police Force at the federal level, urging them to adopt a similar approach in equipping their officers with body-worn cameras. This step would undoubtedly contribute to enhancing accountability, reducing incidences of abuse of power, and fostering greater trust between law enforcement and the citizens they serve.
I trust that your commitment to the welfare and rights of the citizens of Lagos State, remains unwavering. As a passionate advocate for justice, I believe that the implementation of body-worn cameras for law enforcement officers will significantly contribute to the achievement of these objectives.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I look forward to witnessing the transformational impact of this initiative in the near future. Your legacy as a champion of transparency, accountability and human rights stands to be further elevated through the successful realization of this essential commitment.
Yours sincerely,
Hon. Adekunle Razaq Aderibigbe (ARA).
