THE existence of an enduring climate of peace, order and stability in any society is a sine qua non for the accelerated and sustained socio-economic development of that society.
The prevalence of these factors creates a conducive atmosphere for the creative talents, energies and expertise of the people to be brought to bear on the production process, so that the requisite level of wealth is created to support the needs of the people.
Additionally, such a climate emits the signal to entrepreneurs and investors, both local and foreign, that not only are their investments safe and secure but also that they are guaranteed just earnings and rewards for their efforts.
It is, therefore, a matter of course that nations which, in addition to the above, also wish to boost job creation to effectively tackle serious unemployment in the ranks of their people would place premium on national security.
Throughout our history as a nation, we have, at various times, battled the threats to the security of our people such as armed robbery, stealing, fraud and other acts of deviant behaviour.
Not too long ago, the Police Administration, in response to the upsurge in robbery in some urban centres and on the highways, intensified police patrols, in collaboration with the Army, and within a short space of time brought the menace under control.
However, with the approach of Christmas reports have emerged from certain quarters that criminals are rehearsing their strategies to unleash another round of their atrocities on the people.
It is from such a background of anxiety over the potential of such nefarious activities to create fear, panic and alarm among the ranks of our people that we heave a sigh of a relief over reports that the Police Administration has drawn a national contingency plan to combat criminal activities even before the Yuletide arrives and after it.
Dubbed “Operation Father Christmas Two”, the operation is expected from now onwards to see an intensification in both mobile and foot patrols within communities, especially urban areas, as well as on the highways.
There can be no doubt about the fact that many criminals see in the period leading up to the Yuletide and the Yuletide itself an excellent opportunity to reap where they have not sown from what they perceive as a season of plenty.
The importance of this assurance by the Police Administration lies in the fact that the police are not just outlining a programme on paper to deal with such miscreants; they have actually put their officers and men on the ground, who are willing and ready to deal with such nation wreckers.
This is not just to deter such elements from seeking to carry through their diabolical actions but also reassures the public that a lot is being done to ensure that they go about their legitimate activities without let or hindrance.
It is our hope that this important exercise will not die with the Christmas but will be consolidated well into the future to offer better protection for our people.
It is important for an unmistakable message to be sent to the miscreants bent on compromising our peace, order and stability that they will never be allowed to succeed and that the security forces will pursue them 24 hours a day, seven days a weak, 365 or 366 days a year until they and the evil trade they ply are completely extinguished.
We wish to commend the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and his men for significantly improving security and protection for the people through the introduction and intensification of the community policing idea.
This must continue so that our people can live in security and peace and be more productive.
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