|
The Kidnap Menace in Akwa Ibom
State: Beyond Ethnic Issues and
Disparities
By Udom Dominic Bassey
|
|
The crucial problem facing
Nigerians today of which Akwa-Ibom State is not exceptional
are closely intermeshed and the solution of one is very
often governed by the solution of others. The protection of
the environment, the rational used of available resources,
the energy crises religious wars, employment, insecurity,
militancy, kidnapping, the struggle against the social ills
still affecting the majority of the people, the gradual
elimination of the injustices and inequalities that abound
both within states and between them, the defence of human
dignity, the struggle against illiteracy, the safeguard of
peace, disarmaments of militancy, all these challenges,
which are compounded with one another, can be met only by
joining forces and showing a common determination.
To problems which assume an increasingly national scale it
is both necessary and urgent to find an answer and
solutions. The recent publication by Attah and Co on the
security situation of Akwa-Ibom alleged that the Ibibio
races are the target by kidnappers without any significant
effect. They voiced their concern and dissatisfaction to the
state and Federal authorities with tacit criticism through
the media declining to suggest useful ideas that would end
kidnapping in the state which careful analysis have shown
that this is disapproved by a large majority of Ibibio race
and Akwa-Ibom citizens.
To stimulate critical awareness and discernment is a major
responsibility which the government and citizens must
shoulder together. The majority of citizens have learned to
distinguish truth from falsehood and to dissociate what is
ephemeral, trivial, allusion or specious from what is
lasting, sound and valuable. Also the average Akwa-Ibomite
today have the ability as readers, listeners and players in
the polity to observe and maintain an attitude of
constructive doubt by endevouring to elicit from the cooked
and uncooked messages that reach them which merits
consideration, withstands scrutiny and matches their own
individual experiences as it affects them in the society.
In modern Nigeria people need not only news which encourages
and reassures them in their desires and expectations or
confirms their set of ideas and messages which can validly
lead them to alter, moderate or balance their judgments and
opinions in happenings in the polity and place the interest
of the state first.
The false accusation, sentimental messages sent across and
sectional awakening and call of critical awareness to the
security situation on the federal government of Nigeria
without any iota of sound idea constitutes a crucial aspects
of which I stand to contradict the false alarms raised by
Attah and Co who where once political champions of the
state.
It baffles my imagination that men who are suppose to be
giving constructive ideas of developing new areas of social
transformation are always in constant contrast and in the
heart of much controversies only capable of creating
unnecessary clashes, reactions and tensions in their state
of origin. People who are suppose to be role models to youth
and instrument of peace and ethnic harmony are till date
continuously carrying unbalance dialogue and ethnic biasness
after losing out to control the machinery of government in
the state. Their concept and subject dealt in the communiqué
is yet to be accepted by any sense Ibibio person. It is far
from ethnic stuff. Theirs is a propaganda version from which
illogical consequences here, now and in future cannot be
accepted and any impact drawn from.
In search of genuine solution to the security challenge in
the state, the governor called for stake holders meeting
primarily with emphasis to the seek solutions to these
problem.
Where were Attah and company to offer their inputs that will
intrinsically improve on existing efforts of Akpabio. Is it
not, then a wishful misguided thinking by these individuals
forming political opposing unit and few intrigal network of
fellowship developed essentially to sabotage, blackmail and
incite the citizens against the government and to imagine it
necessary to have a parallel isolated meeting in Abuja. This
four men communiqué lack idealistic forecast to see
possibilities stemming from omniscient technological devices
as their contributions. The efficacy of the media
contribution to promoting neutral noble ends and support
their position in their message was lacking. Adequate
contributions and enabling information to help media to gain
strength and expand their main thrust allegations so that
they may play their proper role in helping to promote change
in the state and achieve the aspirations of the people was
also lacking. Their removal of qualitative ethnic balance in
their communiqué no matter how necessary they feel it is is
far from being raised by majority of those who aim at freer
and more balanced Ibibio, Oron and Anang state. This is my
stand which I challenge any man to contradict me.
It is instructive to note that the promotion of ethnic,
tribal, racial or political hatred constituting an
incitement to discrimination, instigate hostility or
violence is prohibited by law. We need to pay particular
attention to the role which Elders can play in generating a
climate of confidence and understanding between the tribes
and ethnic groups in Nigeria, strengthening partners for
development as well as increasing public awareness of
positive ideas and action in the polity. Taking into
consideration, only attitudes necessary of promoting social
harmony are necessary. Overcoming fear, toppling the
barriers of distrust, fostering of solidarity and amity,
promoting knowledge of respect of culture and constituted
authorities which are the reflection of the collective
individuals of the state are all tasks which have to be
unceasingly pursued by all. The spirit of peace and the will
to preserve peace must be tirelessly cultivated and
consolidated by all. We should not leave it solely in the
hands of government. Playing pranks on people's intelligence
by releasing a harangue mudslinging communiqué of government
intention to exterminate Ibibio race is not the solutions
expected of matured men.
Of course the state government cannot shirk its vital
aspects of their tasks, which includes security of lives and
properties. The government is alive to the urgent need to
what is at stake and convinced of the urgent need to tackle
the problem. They have played a role in orienting,
controlling, organizing and dispensing information against
kidnapping. It has strengthened the security outfit. The
need for infrastructures has become a priority that the
governor cannot ignore.
It is vital to promote indigenous capacities in all local
government for devising producing and using new improved
technological gadgets to trap every information and lastly
security equipment should be better sited at every nook and
crannies to monitor people's activities. Hence, policy
decisions on the development and financing of technology
devices are today a priority for the government and public
at large.
Udom, a policy analyst, Researcher and social activist sends
in this piece from 19 Hewett Street Calabar via sucess4udom@yahoo.com
08076158749
Comments
<<back |
|
|
|
|
