CCTV Becomes Part of Security Architecture in Ondo

Close Circuit Television (CCTV) is to become a significant part of the security architecture in Ondo State.

The State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu to this effect has signed an Executive Order for the compulsory installation and use of Close Circuit Television (CCTV) devices in all public and private institutions across the state. 

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde in Akure.

The development comes on the heels of a horrendous attack on Saint Francis Catholic Church Owo on June 5, which left scores dead.

The Statement attributes the measure to the increased spate of insecurity in the country and the need to ensure the security of lives and properties in all public and private institutions and centres throughout the state. 

It says the Executive Order shall be enforced at all religious places of worship, financial institutions (of all kinds), event centres, supermarkets, educational institutions (Schools), Hotels/Motels, Guest House, inns, Restaurants, Clinics and Health Centres, eateries (of all kinds), recreation or vehicular parks and other places regularly used by the public. 

It cites the Constitutional provision to the effect of the step taken by the Ondo helmsman, “Pursuant to Section 176 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which vests in the Governor of Ondo State the Chief Executive powers of the state, the Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, hereby issues the following Executive Orders:

The statement adds that “the owners, occupiers, managers and operators of public/private institutions within Ondo State shall mandatorily install, use and maintain CCTV devices and other secret cameras to monitor and keep surveillance on the daily activities in their premises and especially monitor the ingress and egress of people/vehicles at the said places, venues and centres. .

“That the installed CCTV devices apart from capturing all activities at the public/private institutions must also have data storage hardware and data stored therein should be made available to security agencies whenever it is required.

“That public/private institutions shall employ and maintain well-trained security personnel who shall man the entry and exit points to their various facilities/premises.

“That where necessary, the owners and occupiers of public/private institutions shall erect a well fortified perimeter fence with a security post at the entry and exit points.

“That this Executive Order shall be enforced by all security agencies particularly the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) and the Department of State Security Services (DSS).

The cautions against violation of the Executive Order “violators of this Executive Order shall be prosecuted in accordance with Section 203 of the Criminal Code (Cap. 37) Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria. End

Culled/Simeon Ugbodovon