Political Critique: Is Governor Otti’s Inaugural Promises a Far Cry from Reality in terms of Security?
With the violence that erupted yesterday in Ohafia, and the flurry of critisms, which by the way is normal, I thought it wise to explain some salient issues raised by an author shared by Esteemed friend.
Secondly, I must express sympathy and solidarity with the family of the slain police man. I pray the colleague recovers fast. It is my sincere prayers that violence will be a thing of the past.
Thirdly, to our admirable friends who critice the governor at every given opportunity. Thank you so much for keeping us on our toes. Now after digesting the article that was sharing widely on social media criticising the governor’s ground breaking Town Hall abroad while a part of Ohafia was engulfed in exchange of gunfire resulting in the loss of life, I concluded that the author may not have researched sufficiently or simply chose to dance to the gallery. Here’s some history lessons:
Granted that Dr Otti is a governor and not a president, albeit, I’ll x-rayed some global incidences that somewhat mirror the scenario our critics are trying to exploit. Here are some instances in the United States where violence broke out while the President was abroad. In 1992 Los Angeles Riots: President George H.W. Bush was in Singapore during the riots sparked by the Rodney King beating verdict. In 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing: President Bill Clinton was in Ottawa, Canada, when the domestic terrorist attack occurred. In 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing: President Barack Obama was in Boston but left for a scheduled trip to Mexico before the suspects were caught. In 2020 Minneapolis Unrest: President Donald Trump was in Florida during the protests and riots following George Floyd’s death. And finally in 2021 US Capitol Attack: President Joe Biden was in Kentucky during the January 6 United States Capitol attack.
In each case, local authorities and law enforcement quelled the violence. Which exemplifies which Chief Eleanya Ojuu Kalu, the Executive Mayor of Ohafia LGA and his team did.
Someone may ask what about other countries? Why use America only?
In the United Kingdom these are examples where violence broke out while the Prime Minister was abroad. In 1981 Brixton Riots: Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was in Bahrain during the riots sparked by racial tensions and police brutality. In 1990 Poll Tax Riots: Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was in Kuwait when protests turned violent in London. In 2001 Oldham Riots: Prime Minister Tony Blair was in Spain during the racial tensions and violence. In 2011 England Riots: Prime Minister David Cameron was in Italy when widespread riots and looting broke out. In 2017 Manchester Arena Bombing: Prime Minister Theresa May was in Brussels during the terrorist attack. Finally in 2020 UK COVID-19 Protests: Prime Minister Boris Johnson was in Scotland during protests against lockdown measures.
Okay, I get it, some of my readers are becoming sceptical. Let’s look at Africa and indeed Nigeria.
Here are instances in various African countries where violence or unrest broke out while the President was abroad. In South Africa, in 2014 Marikana Mining Strike: President Jacob Zuma was in Congo during the violent strike. In 2020 Johannesburg Xenophobic Attacks: President Cyril Ramaphosa was in Zimbabwe during the attacks. What about our very own, Nigeria? In 2014 Boko Haram Chibok Kidnappings: President Goodluck Jonathan was in Europe during the kidnappings. In 2020 Lagos #EndSARS Protests: President Muhammadu Buhari was in Abuja but had recently returned from a foreign trip. In
Egypt, the 2013 Cairo Unrest: President Mohamed Morsi was in Ethiopia during the protests. The 2019 Cairo Anti-Government Protests: President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi was in New York. In Ethiopia, the 2016 Oromo Protests: President Mulatu Teshome was in Kenya during the protests. In 2020 Tigray Conflict: President Sahle-Work Zewde was in Europe during the conflict. Coming down to Kenya, the 2007 Post-Election Violence: President Mwai Kibaki was in Ghana during the violence, 2017 Election Protests: President Uhuru Kenyatta was in Ethiopia.
The Ghana 2019 protests was huge as President Nana Akufo-Addo was in the US. In Tanzania, President John Magufuli was in Uganda during protests broke out 2017
Uganda had it’s fair share as in 2020, President Yoweri Museveni was in Rwanda was protests broke out.
Now, what do we stand to gain by exploiting tragedy to score political points? Mba nuuuu At the expense of somebody’s life?
Governor Alex Otti’s efforts to address insecurity in Abia State are often misunderstood. Contrary to claims of inaction, Otti has taken proactive steps to tackle insecurity head-on. Upon assuming office, he inherited a decayed system, including alarming levels of kidnappings, armed robbery, and violent crimes.
To combat this, Otti launched “Operation Crush,” donating 25 Hilux jeeps equipped with security gadgets to all security agencies in the state. This combined security team, comprising the Army, Navy, Police, and Civil Defence, has significantly reduced kidnappings and violent crimes.
Are you aware that his Security Meetings are effective?: Otti has held series of meetings with security agencies to stem kidnappings and violent crimes
Have you pondered about his Market Reform strategy? : He converted Umuchieze Cattle market into a daily market to curb criminal activities and kidnappings.
- Electronic Surveillance: Otti has deployed electronic gadgets and robust intelligentia to checkmate kidnappings and criminality.
Since you have chosen to ignorant, let me help a little: there’s been relatively reduced crime rate in Umuchieze Cattle market, improved security in Abia State, earning commendation from the Police Service Commission, fencing of the market ongoing, with “Operation Crush” personnel stationed 24/7
Rather than being redundant, Governor Otti has demonstrated commitment to addressing insecurity in Abia State. His efforts have yielded positive results, and it’s essential to acknowledge and support these initiatives.
Do not worry, I know we will soon read another shot from your camp and as usual, we will respond. In Abiriba language we say: Kaaaaaaaa!
Dr Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke writes from the University of Abuja Nigeria.
