Kaduna State Police Commissioner, Agybole Abeh, has warned the national leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) planning to stage a mega rally in Kaduna tomorrow, Thursday, to protest sack of 21,780 primary school teachers, to stay away from Kaduna as their safety cannot be guaranteed.
In a statement today, Wednesday, the police commissioner asked the union leadership to note that the state had just come out of series of crises, saying: “we cannot guarantee your safety. We advise you to find a way of reaching and engaging with the relevant authorities in solving whatever grievances, you might be having.”
Agybole Abeh assured the citizens of the state of the readiness of the police to protect their lives and property, even as he asked them to go about their normal activities without fear.
“We will deploy our men to protect public buildings and ensure that there is no break down of law and order”, he stressed.
The national leadership of the NLC had summoned all its national officers as well as executives of its branches across the country to Kaduna on Thursday for the rally.
Meanwhile, Governor Nasir el-Rufai had repeatedly expressed his determination to revive the ailing education sector in the state, vowing that he would not mortgage the future of its two million primary school pupils for unqualified teachers who failed primary four exams. [myad]
Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman
Nigerian Army has warned residents in the Northeast not to harbor members of Boko Haram fleeing from the Sambisa forest in Borno State.
A statement from the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, said that credible intelligence showed that several of theBoko Haram terrorists have resorted to taking refuge in dry wells and other hideouts in some communities along their escape routes from the Sambisa forest in order to evade the sustained bombardments from air and ground troops of Operation Lafiya Dole.
“No one should shield these blood thirsty terrorists. Any unpatriotic and unscrupulous persons, especially in the North Eastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe found providing safe sanctuaries or any assistance to the criminals will be treated as an accomplice and given same treatment as a terrorist.
“All are advised to take the patriotic path by calling the Nigerian Army Information and Call Centre Number 193 to report any fleeing terrorists or report immediately to the nearest security agency.
“You are warned. Do not be an accomplice of the terrorists.”
File Photo: Shia Muslims march through the streets of the northern Nigerian city of Kano
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced the arrest of 52 members of the El-Zakzaky Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), known as Shiite, for embarking on what the Command described as rampage in Abuja.
The Police alleged, in a statement, that the rampaging sect members attacked innocent citizens, including Police operatives today, Wednesday, January 10, adding that the Command recovered some bottles of improvised petrol-bomb, stones and catapult used by them to attack police operatives and damage police operational vehicles.
A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer for the FCT Police Command, DSP Anjuguri Manzah said that the unlawful action of members of the sect which started on Monday 8th January, constituted a serious security threat to the peace of the Federal Capital Territory and at the same time disrupted innocent citizens from going about their lawful businesses.
The statement said that in view of the current security situation in the Country, “the Command wishes to unequivocally state that while it will continue to be professional in the discharge of its constitutional and statutory roles of the protection of lives and property of the good people of FCT; and equally recognize the rights of citizens to express their lawful grievances, the Command will not fold its arms and watch some persons hold the capital city to ransom by disrupting government and legitimate business activities.
“In view of the foregoing, the Command wants to state that any person or group of persons arrested for violating the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution while registering their protest will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the appropriate section(s) of the law.”
The Command said that the 52 suspects that were arrested will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has declared in Osogbo today, Wednesday: “The greatest problem that our own country has is the absence of integrity. Integrity is key anywhere in the world. Some people must make the sacrifice for others’ sake.”
Professor Osinbajo, who addressed the Southwest Regional Youth Summit in Osogbo, Osun State said that if the government is able to remove corruption from the nation’s economic and social life, “we would have solved 70 percent of our problems.
“The truth of the matter is that if we do not ensure that businesses can thrive, nobody would be able to create opportunities for others. The reason why it is difficult for people to open branches of their businesses is that if you are not there yourself, you might as well forget your business.”
The Vice President said that every society that does not emphasize integrity always fails, adding that any society that does not stand on integrity cannot succeed.
“The whole of the economy is based on trust, even the currency that you spend is based on trust, and business is based on trust. Many times as Nigerians, we have lost that trust even dealing with international partners we have lost that trust.
“So, it is important for us to understand that no matter what we do, we must emphasize this Omoluabi ethos, the ethos of integrity. It is so crucial, without hard work it is impossible to do much. People say all sort of things, they say if you are well connected, you will be a success. “There is a limit to what connections can do, even when you are connected enough to be given a job, if you are not serious and hardworking at that job you won’t move up on that job, so hard work is crucial.”
Professor Osinbajo said that he had studied very closely what young people are doing because he recognized that this country, which is the largest economy in Africa, is the key to the future, not just of Africa, but of the development of the world.
The places that are left to make the kind of growth and progress that the world can make are not very many. Africa is one such place. So we must watch closely what is happening in Nigeria, and that is one of the reasons why I watch and see exactly what young people are doing and try to encourage them.
He observed that every generation owes itself the duty of converting its challenges to opportunities and success.
“And you must not see yourselves as young people of the South-West alone. Yes, you are South-West citizens, you were born and bred here, but you are actually citizens of the world. You are citizens of Nigeria. You must make contacts across the country, you must build bridges across the country; you must see yourself first and foremost as a Nigerian citizen. It is from this Nigeria that we would make the kind of progress that each and every one of us need.
“There is no point doing our business only in the South-west, Nigeria is our playing field; this country is big enough. The advantage of our country is that it has everything that we need, and we must take advantage of it.
“So while we are here locally, we must think nationally, and we must think globally. And we must act nationally, and we must act globally.”[myad]
The biggest stories about the Niger Delta region of Nigeria today is the killing of a dreaded cultist, Johnson Igwedibia, also known as Don Waney, by a combined team of men of the Military and Department of State Services- DSS. In a Press Statement issued by the Nigerian Army entitled: “End of road for notorious cultist, kidnapper and mass murderer- Don Waney,” signed by Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, the military announced the death of Johnson Igwedibia. The statement reads in part: “The authorities of 6 Division Nigerian Army Port Harcourt wish to inform the peace-loving people of Omoku in ONELGA in particular, Rivers State and indeed the entire good people of Niger Delta in general that the notorious cult leader, kidnap kingpin and mass murderer Don Waney is dead.” Igwedibia, one of the big players in the game of the underworld in the region is said to have been gunned down alongside two of his close allies in a border town between Rivers and Enugu States. A former heavy weight in militancy, based in Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni-ONELGA Local Government Area of the State is a prime suspect in the new year massacre that took the lives of over twenty persons returning from a ‘cross-over’ midnight prayer in Omoku. Johnson Igwedibia is not a push over by any standard, as at some point in the area, the fear of Don Waney was the beginning of wisdom. Even the Oba of Ogba land, H.R.M. Eze Nnam Obi gave him his way and never crossed his path. Reports say that some security agents were afraid of him, as he was deadly and believed to be invincible. The routes to his mansion in Omoku were manned by soldiers, said to have been detailed to arrest him, dead or alive, yet, he operated without encumbrances. Did security give way for conspiracy? In the days of militancy in the region, sources say Don Waney and his boys were allegedly involved in pipeline vandalism, sea piracy, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, thuggery, rape and all other forms of criminality, prior to late President Yar’Adua’s amnesty programme for militants in the region. But, did the amnesty deter him? Years after accepting same, he returned to his trade in full capacity. In 2016, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike introduced another round of amnesty programme, which he also accepted; but to what extent did that influence him? Don Waney was a billionaire by all standards and the peanuts provided for the amnesty programme may have even infuriated him; yet he accepted it, but continued with his ‘business’. On the 20th of December, 2016, Don Waney was conferred with a chieftaincy title of Onyirimba 1 of Ogbaland by the paramount Ruler of Aligwu in ONELGA LGA, King C. Nwokocha. Two of his foot soldiers, Ikechukwu Adiela and Augustine Osisiah were also installed chiefs. In his response to the recognition, Waney commended the Rivers State government for their efforts in ensuring that peace reigns in the region, even as he urged youths of the area to embrace same, promising to join hands with stakeholders to ensure that peace reigns. Contrary to his pledge, he still returned to his old ways, compelling the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army to invade his camp and shrines in the early hours of November 20, 2017. Reports say he narrowly escaped death in that brutal military operation. During the raid, about ten human skulls and human bones were allegedly discovered. Seven suspects, including two women are said to have been arrested and they must be helping security operatives in their investigations. Ultimately, the slain Don Waney was an extremely dangerous person and had caused indescribable harm to many. He is believed to have been involved in the killing of many and destruction of property. At some point, multinational oil companies in the area could not operate without paying homage and some royalty to him. Yes! It was that bad. The situation was helpless at some point. He became a negative role model in the area. Many young people gained employment in companies operating in the region through him. He had large and committed followership, no doubt. On a number of cases, there were unfounded reports of his death, following attacks and invasion of his camp(s). Such reports made it difficult for people to believe that he has eventually been killed. But, now that there is evidence that he is dead, is the battle over? The truth is that the problem in Omoku and the entire Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area may have just begun. Those celebrating his demise at this stage may need to have a rethink. First, reports have it that among his followers are deadlier young people living under oath. Among his hundreds of followers are blood-thirsty and trigger-happy radicals, ready to take after him. In fact, his biological younger brother, whose name is given as ‘Obata Osu’ can best be described as a worse evil. While Don Waney was of a calm disposition, his younger brother is a more radical and violent person. In fact, reports say Don Waney alone could control him. Hundreds of young people benefited from his criminal activities and still owe allegiance to him, even in death. These individuals leave among unsuspecting citizens. More so, the arms at the disposal of the boys are so sophisticated that anyone believing that they are push overs is doing so at his own peril. A combination of high capacity for mischief, absence of repentance, sophisticated weaponry and very deep pockets makes the situation very complex. Taking a clue from history, the crises in Omoku will take strategic planning on the part of security operatives, effective communication, stakeholders’ engagement, sustained operation(s) and ultimately, the grace of God to end. In fact, it will take the grace of God for normalcy to return to the oil-rich city of Omoku. Prior to the reign of Don Waney, one Chi-boy was practically being worshipped in the area. Don Waney was said to have toppled Chi-boy, with support from some known politicians in the area, before assuming kingship over the ‘jungle’. Now that Don Waney is no more, a few things are likely to happen. First, within his camp, there may be conflict over who pilots the affairs of the gang, particularly, now that he was killed alongside his 2iC, while the number three man broke away earlier, over alleged poor compensation from a bootie from some government quarters. The internal crisis may lead to the breaking away of a faction, thereby weakening the Don Waney camp further. Another possible development will be that some other camps that were calm over the years as a mark of respect for the king of the jungle-Don Waney will want to rise to fight for superiority. This rivalry may mark the first phase of violence to be witnessed in the area, after the internal conflict in Don-Waney’s camp. Then, other camps and groups may spring up. Ultimately, the way militancy has been handled over the years in the Niger Delta region shows that crime attracts handsome reward. Changing this narrative requires strategic planning. Those thinking that the sad end of Don-Waney may serve as a bitter lesson and outright deterrent to others involved or intend to be involved may have a rethink. In fact, it will amount to wishful thinking. Even if Don Waney was caught alive and made to die slowly; even through an open torture, it will not change anything. After all, armed robbery attracts death penalty in our law books, but has that stopped the menace? Nigeria’s security operatives must therefore go back to the drawing board and critically analyze the situation and think of the way forward. The way forward is not to celebrate the death of Don Waney, as nothing appears to have really changed, but leadership. There are still many other Don-Waneys in the jungle. One very important task for security operatives is to ensure the protection of lives and property in the area, by taking steps to prevent any further attacks on soft targets. For Omoku, it will take divine intervention for normalcy to return to the area anytime soon. Anyone thinking otherwise is living in fool’s paradise. Stakeholders must return to the drawing board, review the situation, adopt a carrot and stick approach and employ professional public relations strategies, in addition to excellent intelligence and security approaches in order to succeed. Community stakeholders must be engaged on sustained basis as a deliberate strategy. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the 2019 election is fast approaching. Will politicians allow normalcy to return to the area? Who then will they use for thuggery, kidnapping and assassination during the elections? The problem is huge and requires a holistic approach. Indeed, it is too early to celebrate, as not much has changed!
Dr. Walter Duru, a Communication and Public Relations expert/strategist, can be reached on: walterchike@gmail.com.[myad]
Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has explained that cattle colony which the federal government is proposing for Fulani herdsmen had always been in existence in different names. “The question of cattle colony or grazing land or whatever name they are called is about the same thing really.” The minister, who answered reporters’ questions in Abuja today, Wednesday recalled how he grew up in the hinterlands to meet what was then called cattle routes. “We call them “burtali” in local language. This was established by the federal government in 1914. It was a designated routes where they (cattle) follow, feed, graze, drink water.
“When that one was available, there was no farmer/herdsmen clash because the routes were specific, identified and mapped and compensation was paid over time.” Hadi Sirika said that because of development and increase in population, such routes were either captured or converted to farms. He said that in mapping out cattle colonies, government will definitely have recourse to owners of farm lands and laws of the land. [myad]
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has disowned a number of online sites currently advertising application forms for vacant positions in the Commission, saying that there is no vacancy now. A statement by Corps Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem, inform members of the public that the Corps is not responsible for any of the advertisements. The Corps disclaimed “all liability for, extortion of any form arising out of use, in reference to or reliance on any information contained in these sites. “The Corps implores you to be patient, avoid desperate moves and also assure you that any recruitment exercise organized by the Federal Government through the Corps will be published in the National Dailies, the website (www.frsc.gov.ng) and on all FRSC social media platforms.”[myad]
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of a substantive Director General for the National Intelligence Agency (NIA). The new Director General is Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, a retired career Foreign Service officer, who till his appointment served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs/International Relations. Abubakar had extensive experience working with the United Nations in peace support operations, mediation process, preventive diplomacy and good offices, as well as the promotion of good governance and respect for the rule of law and human rights. He also briefly served as Senior Adviser at the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), with headquarters in Ndjamena, Chad, before his appointment as SSAP. Abubakar holds a B.A degree in French Language and Literature, and an M.A degree in Francophone Maghrebian Literature, both from Bayero University, Kano. He is also fluent in English and Arabic. A statement by the special adviser to the President on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, said that the appointment is with immediate effect.[myad]
The Nigerian Federal Government is set to install independent power supply system to address incessant power outages at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in the nation’s Federal Capital, Abuja. Minister of state for aviation, Hadi Sirika, told news men in Abuja today, Wednesday, that the approval was given at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja today. The minister said that the approval followed the report of that the new terminal building at the airport, called Chinese building, has challenge of power, water and sewage. “So we have to find a way of dealing with those challenges. We are putting up an independent power system at the airport which has been approved by FEC. “Subsequently, we will also tend to the challenges of water, sewage, apron, connectivity between old and new airport and all the fire stations that are blocking the usage of the airport and perhaps also the control tower that is connecting the other side of the airport. “All these will be attended to in phases in preparation to the fully utilization of the airport.”
Nigerians will, February 16 next year, file out to elect the next President as well as members of the National Assembly.
This is contained in the election and campaign time-table released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday, Tuesday in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Chairman of the Commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who released the timetable, said that governorship and State House of Assembly elections will hold on March 2, 2019, adding that the conduct of party primaries, including resolution of disputes arising from primaries for national and state elections is between August 18 and 2018 and October 7, 2018.
According to him, the conduct of parties primaries for the FCT Area Council election is between September 4 and October 27.
Yakubu said that political campaigns by political parties for Presidential Election and NASS elections would commence on Nov. 18 and end on Jan. 14, 2019; while that of governorship and State Houses of Assembly would start on Dec. 1 and end on Feb. 28, 2019.
He said that notice for elections would be released on Aug. 17, while collection of nomination forms for national and states elections by political parties has been fixed for between Aug 17 and Aug. 24, while that of the FCT is slated from Sept. 3 to Sept 10.
The chairman said that the last date for submission of nomination forms by political parties has also been scheduled for Dec. 3 for president and NASS elections, and state elections Dec. 17.
He also said that the collection of nomination forms for FCT Area Council elections would commence on Nov. 3 to Nov. 10, while the last date for the return of the nomination forms is Dec. 14.
The commission according to Yakubu would on Oct 25 publish the personal particulars of National elections candidates on Oct. 25 and those of the state candidates on Nov. 9.
He also announced Nov. 17 as the last date for the withdrawal or replacement of candidate(s) for president and NASS elections, and Dec. 1 for governorship and state house of assembly elections.
Yakubu said that the INEC would on Jan. 2, 2019 publish notice of the polls, and on Jan. 7, 2019 publish official register of voters for the election.
The chairman said that political parties were also expected to submit names of their agents for the elections on Feb. 1, 2019.
He disclosed that 1,558 constituencies elections made up presidential, 29 governorship elections, out of which seven are staggered would be conducted in 2019.
Yakubu assured Nigerians that the commission was determined to strictly adhered to the timetable and implement it to the letter.
He added that the commission needed the support and cooperation of all stakeholders to succeed, saying the commission expects full adherence to the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act which formed basis of the timetable.
He added that INEC was determined to build legacy by ensuring that the nation’s elections keep getting better.
“Today is exactly 402 days to the opening of polling units nationwide at 8 a.m on Saturday Feb. 16, 2019.
“As political parties and candidates canvass the support of electorate, the commission wishes to appeal to all and sundry to eschew bitterness and conduct their activities with decorum.’’
Yakubu said that the commission would release the cost of 2019 general elections after its meeting scheduled for Thursday.
He added that Jan. 13 for the conduct of Anambra Central Senatorial bye-election still stands.
He also disclosed that over 100 political associations had applied to INEC to be registered as political parties.
Yakubu added that the commission would continue to register any of the associations that meets the requirements for registration as specified in the Constitution and Electoral Act. [myad]
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Kaduna State Police Commissioner, Agybole Abeh, has warned the national leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) planning to stage a mega rally in Kaduna tomorrow, Thursday, to protest sack of 21,780 primary school teachers, to stay away from Kaduna as their safety cannot be guaranteed.
[myad]
Don Waney: Too Early To Celebrate, By Walter Duru
The biggest stories about the Niger Delta region of Nigeria today is the killing of a dreaded cultist, Johnson Igwedibia, also known as Don Waney, by a combined team of men of the Military and Department of State Services- DSS.
In a Press Statement issued by the Nigerian Army entitled: “End of road for notorious cultist, kidnapper and mass murderer- Don Waney,” signed by Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, the military announced the death of Johnson Igwedibia.
The statement reads in part: “The authorities of 6 Division Nigerian Army Port Harcourt wish to inform the peace-loving people of Omoku in ONELGA in particular, Rivers State and indeed the entire good people of Niger Delta in general that the notorious cult leader, kidnap kingpin and mass murderer Don Waney is dead.”
Igwedibia, one of the big players in the game of the underworld in the region is said to have been gunned down alongside two of his close allies in a border town between Rivers and Enugu States.
A former heavy weight in militancy, based in Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni-ONELGA Local Government Area of the State is a prime suspect in the new year massacre that took the lives of over twenty persons returning from a ‘cross-over’ midnight prayer in Omoku.
Johnson Igwedibia is not a push over by any standard, as at some point in the area, the fear of Don Waney was the beginning of wisdom. Even the Oba of Ogba land, H.R.M. Eze Nnam Obi gave him his way and never crossed his path. Reports say that some security agents were afraid of him, as he was deadly and believed to be invincible. The routes to his mansion in Omoku were manned by soldiers, said to have been detailed to arrest him, dead or alive, yet, he operated without encumbrances. Did security give way for conspiracy?
In the days of militancy in the region, sources say Don Waney and his boys were allegedly involved in pipeline vandalism, sea piracy, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, thuggery, rape and all other forms of criminality, prior to late President Yar’Adua’s amnesty programme for militants in the region.
But, did the amnesty deter him? Years after accepting same, he returned to his trade in full capacity. In 2016, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike introduced another round of amnesty programme, which he also accepted; but to what extent did that influence him? Don Waney was a billionaire by all standards and the peanuts provided for the amnesty programme may have even infuriated him; yet he accepted it, but continued with his ‘business’.
On the 20th of December, 2016, Don Waney was conferred with a chieftaincy title of Onyirimba 1 of Ogbaland by the paramount Ruler of Aligwu in ONELGA LGA, King C. Nwokocha. Two of his foot soldiers, Ikechukwu Adiela and Augustine Osisiah were also installed chiefs.
In his response to the recognition, Waney commended the Rivers State government for their efforts in ensuring that peace reigns in the region, even as he urged youths of the area to embrace same, promising to join hands with stakeholders to ensure that peace reigns.
Contrary to his pledge, he still returned to his old ways, compelling the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army to invade his camp and shrines in the early hours of November 20, 2017. Reports say he narrowly escaped death in that brutal military operation.
During the raid, about ten human skulls and human bones were allegedly discovered. Seven suspects, including two women are said to have been arrested and they must be helping security operatives in their investigations.
Ultimately, the slain Don Waney was an extremely dangerous person and had caused indescribable harm to many. He is believed to have been involved in the killing of many and destruction of property.
At some point, multinational oil companies in the area could not operate without paying homage and some royalty to him. Yes! It was that bad. The situation was helpless at some point. He became a negative role model in the area. Many young people gained employment in companies operating in the region through him. He had large and committed followership, no doubt.
On a number of cases, there were unfounded reports of his death, following attacks and invasion of his camp(s). Such reports made it difficult for people to believe that he has eventually been killed. But, now that there is evidence that he is dead, is the battle over?
The truth is that the problem in Omoku and the entire Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area may have just begun. Those celebrating his demise at this stage may need to have a rethink.
First, reports have it that among his followers are deadlier young people living under oath. Among his hundreds of followers are blood-thirsty and trigger-happy radicals, ready to take after him. In fact, his biological younger brother, whose name is given as ‘Obata Osu’ can best be described as a worse evil. While Don Waney was of a calm disposition, his younger brother is a more radical and violent person. In fact, reports say Don Waney alone could control him.
Hundreds of young people benefited from his criminal activities and still owe allegiance to him, even in death. These individuals leave among unsuspecting citizens.
More so, the arms at the disposal of the boys are so sophisticated that anyone believing that they are push overs is doing so at his own peril. A combination of high capacity for mischief, absence of repentance, sophisticated weaponry and very deep pockets makes the situation very complex.
Taking a clue from history, the crises in Omoku will take strategic planning on the part of security operatives, effective communication, stakeholders’ engagement, sustained operation(s) and ultimately, the grace of God to end. In fact, it will take the grace of God for normalcy to return to the oil-rich city of Omoku.
Prior to the reign of Don Waney, one Chi-boy was practically being worshipped in the area. Don Waney was said to have toppled Chi-boy, with support from some known politicians in the area, before assuming kingship over the ‘jungle’.
Now that Don Waney is no more, a few things are likely to happen. First, within his camp, there may be conflict over who pilots the affairs of the gang, particularly, now that he was killed alongside his 2iC, while the number three man broke away earlier, over alleged poor compensation from a bootie from some government quarters. The internal crisis may lead to the breaking away of a faction, thereby weakening the Don Waney camp further.
Another possible development will be that some other camps that were calm over the years as a mark of respect for the king of the jungle-Don Waney will want to rise to fight for superiority. This rivalry may mark the first phase of violence to be witnessed in the area, after the internal conflict in Don-Waney’s camp. Then, other camps and groups may spring up.
Ultimately, the way militancy has been handled over the years in the Niger Delta region shows that crime attracts handsome reward. Changing this narrative requires strategic planning.
Those thinking that the sad end of Don-Waney may serve as a bitter lesson and outright deterrent to others involved or intend to be involved may have a rethink. In fact, it will amount to wishful thinking. Even if Don Waney was caught alive and made to die slowly; even through an open torture, it will not change anything. After all, armed robbery attracts death penalty in our law books, but has that stopped the menace?
Nigeria’s security operatives must therefore go back to the drawing board and critically analyze the situation and think of the way forward. The way forward is not to celebrate the death of Don Waney, as nothing appears to have really changed, but leadership. There are still many other Don-Waneys in the jungle.
One very important task for security operatives is to ensure the protection of lives and property in the area, by taking steps to prevent any further attacks on soft targets.
For Omoku, it will take divine intervention for normalcy to return to the area anytime soon. Anyone thinking otherwise is living in fool’s paradise. Stakeholders must return to the drawing board, review the situation, adopt a carrot and stick approach and employ professional public relations strategies, in addition to excellent intelligence and security approaches in order to succeed. Community stakeholders must be engaged on sustained basis as a deliberate strategy.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that the 2019 election is fast approaching. Will politicians allow normalcy to return to the area? Who then will they use for thuggery, kidnapping and assassination during the elections? The problem is huge and requires a holistic approach.
Indeed, it is too early to celebrate, as not much has changed!
Dr. Walter Duru, a Communication and Public Relations expert/strategist, can be reached on: walterchike@gmail.com.[myad]