Since the All Progressives Congress, APC took over the reins of power in Edo State, it has invested heavily to tackle insecurity in the State which was hitherto a hot bed of armed robbery, human trafficking, assassination and murder under the PDP government. Going by statistics, crime has drastically been reduced in Edo State under the leadership of Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki.
But the incident that occurred recently in Benin City which saw to the killing of some young people allegedly by cultists, left every peace-loving people of Edo Sate bewildered and shattered as we approach the 2019 general elections.
It is heartwarming that government under the watch of the Mr. Obaseki has decided to take long lasting steps to forestall the occurrence of such ugly incidents in future as he has revealed plans to sponsor a bill for a law to strengthen measures aimed at curbing cultism in the state.
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki while receiving the new Commander, 107 Air Maritime Group of the Nigerian Air Force, Wing Commander Fatai Ayinla Ganiyu, at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State capital said re-assured that his administration will not give room for thuggery in the state as the country prepares for the 2019 general elections.
It is good that government has placed all political thugs, no matter who is behind them on notice before the election proper. We are aware of politicians; whose main tool is the use of thugs to undermine the electoral process for their selfish advantages and agendas. But the politicians themselves are also under the notice of government as it would not spare anyone who has an agenda to undermine the government of the day.
It is important that government, rises to the occasion the way Godwin Obaseki is going about it. Thuggery in our politics must not be accepted in the state. It is good to know that the state government is finalising amendment of our laws which will soon be sent to the Edo State House of Assembly to strengthen our law enforcement agencies to deal with cultism in the state. It was equally good that the governor is working towards a harmonious relationship between the state government and the Nigerian Air Force Command and indeed, all security agencies in the state.
It is, therefore, my considered opinion that all law enforcement agencies in the state should ensure that Justice is timeously delivered to all those killed in the state in the wake of the cult-related clashes and their families.
Wherever these criminals are, they should be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law. It is when these deviants of our society are dealt with adequately that Edo State can move forward as Governor Obaseki is leading the citizens.As we approach the end of the year, Edo people must be on their watch, more so, when the economic situation of the country is biting so hard.
Again, Nigeria is on the match again for other rounds of general elections as the Independent National Electoral Commission rolled out the names of candidates for the 2019 elections. Politicians are currently embroiled in despicable maneuvres to grab power and they can go any length to get a political position. In desperation, anyone considered an obstacle on their way to grab power is mowed down like chicken.
It is, therefore important to emphasise that major negative factors that have prevented development and stability in our Political dispensation is politics of bitterness. That was what destroyed the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Nigeria that it cannot stand till date. Often times, we see politicians killing one another, betraying one another because of political positions or appointments and I wonder: Does politics teach us to destroy one another? Is politics meant to eradicate integrity and love for one another?
Politicians need to understand and appreciate the ethics of politics and true meaning of politics. The fact that you lost your presidential, Governorship or Senatorial position should not make you to develop hatred and bitterness towards your opponents. A true politician should constantly allow ethics in politics to guide his words and actions. It must not be a do or die affair.
The essence of Politics is to promote one another, enhance development in our society, promote peace and unity and advance the common good of society. We fail in our political ambitions and positions because of wrong motives in politics.
I submit that we should constantly emulate God, our creator who makes the rain to fall on the just and on the unjust. We should always learn from his faithfulness, love, mercy, and kindness towards his creatures. Politicians who succeed in any Position should wish others well, overlook the mistakes and short-comings of others, see beyond the now and allow ethics in politics to guide their words and actions.
The mowing down of some i citizens in one fell swoop is a criminal behaviour at its peak. This should be thoroughly condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians. We are highly appalled by the behaviour of the criminals. At this stage, we call on the police to leave no stone unturned in the investigation of this matter. All those involved in it should be arrested and brought to face the wrath of the law. All those who have decided to criminalise our society should be dealt with in like manner. Evil doers should not be allowed to go scot-free.
It is important, therefore, that the Edo State House of Assembly should expeditiously consider the request of the Edo State Governor to restructure and re-configure the security apparatuses in the state when it is presented to provide adequate support to tighten security of life and property in the state. It is a truism that Edo State under the watch of Governor Godwin Obaseki is set to make the state an industrial hub that would not only provide jobs to our teeming unemployed youths, but will ultimately empower all citizens involved in all forms of businesses as currently enjoyed by Lagosians, this is why insecurity in any form, whether politically or socially motivated must not be tolerated.
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Mr. Dan Owegie is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo State.
