Lagos lawmaker decries spate of extra-judicial killings by the police

…awards scholarship to Ebonyi State born artist

Alade Tasma

The member representing Epe constituency 02 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Segun Olulade has frowned at the spate of extra-judicial killings by the police across the country, especially as it affects young Nigerians.

Olulade expressed his dissatisfaction of the killings which according to him, have become rampant in the country at the presentations of scholarship and cash gift to his young facebook friend, Mr Boniface Ogochukwu, a Graphic Arts student of Government Technical College, Ikorodu, who he met on facebook.

The lawmaker who spoke against the backdrop of recent killings of a young man, Kolade Johnson at Mangoro area of the state and another young girl, Adah Ifeanyi in Ajegunle area of the state by the police

advocated for proper dressing and conduct among young people, however stressed that having tattoo and dread lock do not make someone a criminal.

“We are having too much of extra-judicial killings. Nigeria police need to do a lot on this aspect. There is no discipline in our police force.

“I was driving with some of my constituents at the weekend; and a drunk policeman with a gun stopped our vehicle. I had to tell the driver to cooperate with him because I noticed he was drunk. It is a serious issue.

“The police are also involved in drugs, how can they arrest those who are involved in drugs? So, we have a big mess on our hands in Nigeria today,” Olulade stated.

On why policemen are attracted to young men, whose outlook and conduct suggests criminality, the lawmaker advised youths to be more conscious of their dressing, looks and actions.

On the scholarship he offered Ogochukwu, an orphan, Olulade called for continued efforts to help Nigerian youths around the country irrespective of their tribe, religion and background.

He said, “I got to know him (Ogochukwu) through the social media, a brother of mine sent me his write up and a picture of his drawings, and paintings where he painted my picture and that of the Lagos State Governor-elect, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

“I got hooked to him and I decided to look out for him. I also shared his post on my facebook page. I met him for the first time today to see what we could do to assist him.

“I want to announce today that the `Eleniyan Care Foundation’ will be taking responsibility of his education henceforth.

“We are giving him scholarship. We will continue to promote young men like this that are doing well and who are committed to developing themselves,’’ he stated.

Adding, “What attracted me to Ogochukwu was the story he told about his post on facebook, when police accosted him and other young people on the road.

“While trying to look out for something incriminating about him, they (policemen) found out the other boys on board were `yahoo boys’ and they were carrying drugs.

“He (Ogochukwu) was told by the police that he had a talent and was advised that rather than getting himself involved in drugs and `yahoo’, he should continue to use his talents as a means to pay his school fees and live Happy,’’ he added.

Olulade frowned at the current wave of get-rich quick mentality among the young ones which had led most of them to immorality and criminality.

According to the Epe, Lagos born politician, Ogochukwu should be used as a point of contact to other young ones to know that they could dress and comport themselves in a respectable manner.

Responding, Ogochukwu, popularly called “Bon Best” said he was inspired by so many artists and that he had been feeding on art works.

The 19-year old student, who could not hide his excitement, knelt down to appreciate the lawmaker for the gesture.

“Everything around me today is as a result of arts. My greatest joy and achievement is meeting Hon. Olusegun Olulade, Eleniyan.

“I consider it a privilege to meet `Eleniyan’. He knew me from the social media. I was blessed today with the scholarship and the cash gift he gave me.

“I feel more than happy because I never expected it. I decided to make this portrait even though I will do more.

“I started arts at the age of seven and since then I have been feeding from it,” the Ebonyi State born artist stated