Nweke added that while he advocates a sustainable and preventive approach to managing insecurity, he believes immediate and resolute actions are needed for the well-being of the people.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Enugu State governorship candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Frank Nweke, has proposed six steps which the state government can use in managing insecurity in the state.
Nweke said in a statement on Sunday that he attended the thanksgiving service of the 10th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Nsukka at St. Luke’s Anglican, Amufie Archdeaconry, Igbo-Eze North, Enugu State and was unnerved by the statements of the Bishop of Ehamufu, Rt. Rev. Daniel Olinya.
Nweke said Olinya drew attention to the dire conditions of the Ehamufu Diocese as insecurity continues to ravage the community and hamper economic activities.
He said, “The largely farming community has to contend with food shortages as the fear of getting attacked or kidnapped has kept people from cultivating their farms and going about their daily business. In addition to the fear brought on by insecurity, farmlands have been destroyed by the floods, effectively reducing the level of the expected rice harvest, a staple for the community and the State.
“Homes have been destroyed, leaving many families in makeshift Internally Displaced People’s Camps with very little to live on. The overall situation is daunting, no doubt. But we are not without hope. As a people and as a State government, we must return to the essence of our humanity and values. The sayings: Ndubuisi (Life is Supreme) and Onye Aghana Nwanne Ya (Be your brother and sister’s keeper) must become the reality that we live again.”
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Nweke added that while he advocates a sustainable and preventive approach to managing insecurity, he believes immediate and resolute actions are needed for the well-being of the people.
He advised the PDP-led administration in Enugu State thus, “Summon or direct Local Government Authorities to summon a meeting of the traditional rulers, presidents and leaders of town unions and the local vigilante groups for the purpose of partnering with them and the security agencies for improved intelligence gathering.
“Immediately expand support for the statutory security agencies for improved strategic, tactical, and combat operations. Provide them with the right vehicles, communication and other equipment needed to apprehend these bandits and kidnappers.
“Acquire and deploy geo-tracking devices, aerial force and drone technology for improved surveillance in these forest areas. We must do all that is necessary to secure the lives of our citizens.
“Engage and partner with Federal Authorities to deploy more human and material resources to the State while ensuring clear reporting, accountability and a close working relationship.
“Set up a situation room in partnership with the security services for 24-hour monitoring of the security situation and similarly deploy special hotlines through which the public can share intelligence and relevant information for quick action.”
Lastly, Nweke said, “Provide advisories, relevant information and updates to reassure the public of ongoing efforts of the government to bring the situation under control and restore normalcy. These few key steps must be taken to rescue the people who have been abducted and to guarantee the prevention of reprisal attacks in the short term.”
