[ 2017-03-24 ]

Irbad Ibrahim

Tighten MPs' security – Irbard Ibrahim
There is the need for the enhancement of the
security of the country’s parliamentarians,
Irbad Ibrahim, Executive Director of Irbard
Security Consult, has admonished.

His comments come in wake of cries by some Members
of Parliament for increased security following
terrorist attacks close to UK’s Parliament on
Wednesday which resulted in five deaths.

Terrorist group ISIS claimed responsibility for
the attack in Westminster but the prime suspect
was a Kent-born 52-year-old man identified as
Khalid Masood.

The attack left 50 people injured, with 31
receiving hospital treatment. Two are in critical
condition; one has life-threatening injuries.

Some legislators, therefore, believe that the
security of lawmakers in the country need to be
heightened in view of the global threat posed by
terrorism.

Even though Mr Ibrahim was of the view that the
MPs are not exposed to such magnitude of terrorist
attacks, he admitted that the current security
arrangements for the legislature require an
overhaul, saying the country must “beef up
security around MPs”.

He stated that currently the ratio of police to
citizens is “one police officer to 950 citizens,
so it will be quite far-fetched to dedicate one
police officer to each MP”.

However, security in parliament house must be
enhanced because currently “there are no metal
detectors or other improved security gadgets”

For him, securing the offices of legislators is
equally important and “entry into Job 600 should
come after a thorough scrutiny, especially with
people who seek to have face to face encounters
with the country’s legislators”.

Comparing the circumstances leading to the attack
in the UK and the situation Ghana, he was of the
opinion that “Ghana’s politicians enjoy a lot
of goodwill” and “the dynamics between UK and
Ghana [in view of the recent attack] are quite
different”.

He explained that the foreign policy of UK is
different from that of Ghana and interventions by
British officials at various locations globally is
not the same as Ghana’s, hence any attacks on
Ghana’s MPs would be less likely.

The analyst further urged the country’s MPs to
build goodwill and interpersonal relationships
with constituents and the general populace.

Source - classfmonline.com

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