by Ubani Newman Ubani
Insecurity has plagued Nigeria in different ways. Acts ranging from armed robbery, kidnapping, ritual killing, acts of terrorism have sadly become the nightmare of Nigeria and its citizens. The minister for information Lai Mohammed in an online article published by PUNCH newspapers, acknowledged insecurity as the major challenge faced by the Buhari administration especially in 2021. According to the TheCable Index, the research arm of The Cable news, 5,067 Nigerians were killed in 2021 with 1,024 reported violent attacks in the same year.
In May 2021, 26 year old Iniobong Umoren was chasing a job opportunity after graduating from the university. She was attacked and killed by the alleged employer who lured her to her death under the guise of a job interview. Even the age of victims do not matter anymore as was the case with five-year-old Hanifa Abubakar who was kidnapped by her class teacher for a ransom of six million naira and was still murdered after the ransom was paid. At this rate one can only imagine the fear in the hearts and minds of the people as they go about their daily businesses; the thought of walking along the street, going to bed at night in your home, driving in your vehicle, deciding to attend that job interview, dropping your child at school or just going about your business on a day-to-day.
The federal government still grapples with the spate of incessant killings across parts of the Nigeria especially in the Northwest, where ‘Bandits’ – heavily armed criminals kill, kidnap and force people to flee their homes. Sadly, military tactics that have been put in place to salvage the situation have yielded little to no result as the crimes go on and on. State governments are now faced with the onerous task of trying to maintain peace while civil unrest has become commonplace.
However, the case is not so for the inhabitants of Abia State in Southeast Nigeria where Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is leaving no stone unturned in the fight for the safety of his citizens’ lives and properties. Since the inception his administration in 2015, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu also referred to as #theRebuilder has not relented in ensuring that peace prevails in “God’s Own State”.
Before Governor Ikpeazu’s ascent to governorship seat, kidnapping and armed robbery was notably prevalent in Abia and this affected the livelihood of the residents and disrupted business endeavours especially as Abia State is regarded as the commercial nerve centre in Southeast of Nigeria.
So, what has this amiable Governor do differently?
Governor Ikpeazu believes that the growth and development of a people vis-à-vis the state, hinges on several factors such as provision of clean drinking water, well-constructed roads, a thriving educational system, functioning and reputable health sector, agricultural systems for food provision and most especially, adequate security protocols. Freedom to move about from point A to point B should be the responsibility of every government and to God be the glory, Abia State has succeeded in that aspect.
Governor Ikpeazu has: forged a synergy between the Nigeria Police Force and sister agencies stationed in Abia state; provided over 400 vehicles equipped with modern security technology; constructed military standard Base Stations which have led to tangible results since he got into power in 2015.
Take Austin Uba’s word for it, a resident and tricycle (keke) rider in Umuahia who said “Abia is a peaceful state, we don’t have any problems here. You can invest and do business here and move around freely”.
Ugochukwu Anastasia, a student of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, also said the state has been safe thanks to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, “You can walk freely without fear of being robbed.”
More testimonies keep flooding in not only from citizens of Abia State but also from heads of security operatives within and across the state that attest to the fact that Governor Ikpeazu is not slacking in delivering on his promises in the area of security in Abia state.
The former Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu bore witness to this truth at the commissioning event of a fleet of Police Vehicles and Security Gadgets provided for by the Governor to the Nigeria Police Force Abia. IGP Adamu said “Abia is as of now, one of the safest States in Nigeria.” Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 9 Isaac Akinmoyede commended Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for providing a favourable environment for security officers to function optimally.
Commissioner of Police Jane Agbede had only good things to say as well when she resumed duties in the state. “Structures were already on ground when I resumed office…the policing style and the synergy with other sister agencies like the Army, the DSS and other security agencies are delivering expected results so Abia is peaceful and very good for habitation and business.”
In all this, #theRebuilder recognises God’s benevolence in the peace and serenity that Abia State enjoys to this day. “To the glory of God, since 2015 till today there’s not been a single case of bank robbery”.
This move by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is a textbook case for the benefits that exist if State Policing is duly considered. Synergy between the Nigeria Police Force, the Army and other security agencies in Nigeria should be encouraged at the State level with authority in the hands of the state government. It carries potential that if cultivated right promises quell the spate of insecurity in the Nigeria.
As you go about attending your political meetings, businesses as well as your daily routines, and returning to your homes and places of abodes safely, even at odd hours, remember that #TheRebuilder is making it possible.
Ubani Newman Ubani is a promoters of a better Abia State.
Comments are closed.