…says this is not the time to call for prayer but action.
The Member Representing Ezeagu Constituency in Enugu State House of Assembly. Rt Hon. Barr. Chima Obieze today moved a motion in the Enugu State House of Assembly concerning the rising case of insecurity in the state.
In the motion titled “Motion of Urgent Public Importance on the Need to intensify Security in all Rural Areas and High-ways in Enugu State,” the lawmaker challenged the security agencies to live up to their responsibilities in securing the lives and properties of the people of the state.
In the motion Co-sponsored by Hon. Jane Eneh, Rt. Hon. Ilo Aniagu, Rt. Hon. C.C. Nwamba and Hon. Engr. Okwu Chinedu, the Lawmakers opined that “we must get our people ready to defend themselves town by town, village to village. This is our duty as leaders and our duty as representatives of the people.”
In his prayers, Barr. Obieze prayed; “House Commends the Governor on the Steps he is taking currently to secure the people of Enugu State and their properties and urge him not to relent.”
The complete Motion:
The Speaker,
Motion of Urgent Public Importance on the Need to intensify Security in all Rural Areas and High-ways in Enugu State.
Mr Speaker, distinguished Hon Colleagues. You will agree with me that It is the duty of government to enforce law and order – at the same time respecting the human rights of its people. In areas where armed crime and lawlessness are prevalent, the government provides policing to secure the lives & properties of people. World over, the first duty of government is security. For the first sign of a failed society is insecurity.
The Nigerian Constitution envisages that the Nigerian State and environment shall be such where the security and lives of the people are first guaranteed. Section 14 which is part of Chapter 2 of the Constitution- the Chapter which deals on
Fundamental Objective and Directive Principles Of State Policy pointedly states as follows:
14(1) The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be a state based on principles of Democracy
and social justice
14(2) It is hereby accordingly declared that
(a) Sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through
this constitution derives all its powers and authority;
(b) The Security and Welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of
government.
It is based on this premise, Mr Speaker & distinguished Hon Colleagues that I have risen today to call on this Noble House to condemn the rising insecurity in the country. Which is now scantily affecting Enugu State.
Today our people in the rural areas suffer from the menace of the Herdsmen. Our peasant farmers no longer visit their farms and hunger is now on the increase because of the activities of herdsmen. Today our people who are very receptive and hospitable people are now crying woes and saying no to external intrusions because of their sad experiences.
Mr Speaker, a lot has been happening and we need to speak up now before Enugu State will lose its position as the most peaceful & secured state in Nigeria.
The murder of Rev Fr. Offu reveals a lot and it’s one incident too many. We will need to send out our condolences to the family and to the catholic community in Enugu State and Nigeria as a whole. The eye witness narration of the incident is graphic and I cannot begin to spoil your day with it. If the security agencies do not nip this in the bud, then, I am afraid of our dear State.
A few days after the Rev father was killed a renown monarch & his wife was also kidnapped almost at the same spot.
Mr speaker, this is no longer the time for prayers because even the Isrealites themselves that hosted Christ in His time are now busy defending themselves.
The State Government have since the emergence of this administration demonstrated capacity in peaceably management of security issues. A move that has continued to pay off as Enugu dwellers sleep with their eyes closed. Thanks to the Governor and his security acumen. But there appears to be a new trend and we have to nip it in the bud my distinguished Colleagues.
We must now, on behalf of the people of Enugu State call on His Excellency, President Mohammadu Buhari to rise to his full powers as the president of the world’s most populous black nation to defend and secure the people of this Country.
We must also call on the Inspector-General of police and the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State to do the needful. Enough of this bloodshed, enough of Rural dwellers living in fear, enough of peasant farmers running away from their farms. Proactive measures must be taken to curb the excesses of this marauding herdsmen or any group masquerading as herdsmen and committing these heinous crimes.
That said, Mr Speaker and Hon. Colleagues, we must get our people ready to defend themselves town by town, village to village. This is our duty as leaders and our duty as representatives of the people.
In this line we must commend the governor for the presentation of the Anti-kidnapping executive bill which we have received in the House and the immediate recruitment of forest guards which is ongoing.
This is a very positive step in the right direction. We must also commend the Governor is his effort to strengthen the local vigilante groups to ensure the safety of our rural dwellers and villagers.
Local hunters must also be drafted in because no one understands our terrains like them.
I believe that our people deserve to continuously carry out their activities without fear. I believe the peace and security in Enugu must be sustained.
All stakeholders must put hands on deck to do the needful. For if our people at anytime resort to self-help then anarchy looms.
Prayers:
1. That this House urges IG of Police and the Commissioner of police to put in more efforts to see that this rising insecurity is put to an end immediately.
2. That the Commissioner of police Enugu State ensures that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law as a deterrent to others who may want to toe the same line.
3. That this House Commends the Governor on the Steps he is taking currently to secure the people of Enugu State and their properties and urge him not to relent.
4. That the ministry of Rural Development, All Local Governments and other relevant stakeholders work together, to ensure that our local vigilantes are strengthened, equipped and trained for maximum action and output.
5. That this House sends out a condolence message to the Catholic community through the Bishop of Enugu Diocese for the demise of one of their own
I so move.
Hon. Barr Chima Obieze
Co-sponsors
Hon. Jane Eneh,
Rt. Hon. Ilo Aniagu,
Rt. Hon. C.C. Nwamba and
Hon. Engr. Okwu Chinedu
