Adopt African strategies to fight crime, not Eurocentric methods

Ini Billie, Uyo

Criminology expert, Prof. Aniekan Brown, has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to adopt African strategies in fighting crime.

Brown, Professor of Criminology, said it was an aberration to employ Eurocentric methods to fight crime in an African setting. He suggested using African or indigenous methods instead.

Speaking at the weekend in Uyo as the 114 Inaugural lecturer on the topic: “Criminological Enterprise: The C.A.K.E. As the New Order,” Brown said the concept of CAKE should be adopted when dealing with criminals. C stands for Care. A represents Affection. K symbolizes Kindness. E signifies Empathy.

He said studies and investigations from ex-convicts showed their reasons for committing crimes. They were pushed to crime due to lack of opportunity. He argued that care, love, kindness, and empathy might have kept them from crime.

“Caring for another person is a virtue. Showing affection and being kind to people are also important virtues. Additionally, showing empathy to others in humanity is highly valued. These virtues are encouraged by the almighty.

“We inquired from the ex-convicts about what motivated them to commit a crime. Their responses pointed to the argument that they may not have been pushed to crime if they were cared for. If those favoured by the status quo showed them love, kindness, and shared empathy, it might have made a difference.

“He stated that if those who indulge in corruption care about the led, corruption would be less hydra-headed. They should show affection and kindness. Additionally, they need to be empathic to the masses,” he stated.

Prof Brown called on Nigerians to respect the nation’s symbols of identity. These symbols include the National Flag, National Anthem, and the Coat of Arms. He noted this respect would imbibe in citizens the spirit of nationalism instead of sectionalism.

He urged the relevant authorities to be proactive in fighting crime. He noted that since the statuses, roles, and institutions in the society are the major causes of crime. These elements can also curb crime.

“Emphatic and respectful disposition to the national symbols of identity. This includes showing respect to the National Flag, National Anthem, and the Coat of Arms.

“Revering these will add value to the spirit of nationalism. It will favor nationalism over sectionalism in our bid to counter crime. A community consideration is needed for the concept of security. This would ease the pressure on the militarised aspect of security; institutionalisation of criminology and security studies.

“The statuses, roles, and institutions in the society are the major causes of crime. Inherent in them are the abilities to curb crime.

“To this end, the institutions of the family, education, economy, religion, and polity should be tailored towards combating crime. People in positions within the social division of labour should align their behaviours with this goal. These behaviours should be consistent with achieving this aim.

“This should be done with Afro-centric and indigenous drift. Being Eurocentric in fighting crime on the continent of Africa should be seen as an aberration.

“Crime is a social creation. Its solution is in the social sphere. Knowledge of criminology is necessary for its understanding and subsequent treatment.

“Man is the problem. Man is the solution. May the ideas of criminology and security studies remain promoted for the common good,” he explained.