By Abimbola Sylvester

For a while, Akwa Ibom prided itself as one of the most peaceful states in the country. That even became a campaign point for the ruling PDP in the state. Sadly, that suddenly changed as insecurity now pervades the land.

The high rate of insecurity now in Akwa Ibom State is worrisome. According to reports, the citizens are now living in deep fear and shops close hurriedly once the sun sets. Tension and uncertainty have become the daily lots of the people.

It behoves one to ask, what is really going on in Akwa Ibom State? What is wrong with the security architecture? What is the PDP-led government doing with the humongous figures voted monthly as security votes? One may also ask: What was the essence of the state security outfit code-named “Community Watch”, which was set up by Governor Umo Eno, recently?

The wide spread of kidnapping and killing witnessed so far in the state suggests a weak and incompetent leadership in the state. For, how else can one describe a government that cannot discharge its basic function of protecting lives and property?

It is worth recalling that early this year, a judge in Akwa Ibom State was kidnapped and a huge sum of money paid for her to regain freedom. Again, a few days ago two ladies were brutally murdered at Nwaniba Road and Edet Akpan Avenue (Four Lane) in the heart of Uyo, the state capital. Similarly, another was reportedly killed on IBB Lane, still in Uyo, on Wednesday, January 30, 2024. In a bizarre manner, the body parts of the women were taken away by the killers, suggesting ritual murders. Recently, a young man in Ukanafun was murdered in cold blood. Yet, the PDP-led government in the state has not made any effort to assure the people of their safety.

It is somewhat very sad a governor, who is supposed to be the Chief Security of the state, going to sleep while his house is on fire. Government, the world over, is saddled with the responsibility of protecting the lives and properties of its citizens. The insensitivity of Governor Eno to the plight of the people is, indeed, annoying. It smacks of incompetence, insincerity and unpreparedness for the huge task of governing the state .

Governance is a serious business that needs capacity. It is high time the governor braced up for the task of leadership. Now that the legal battles are over, Eno should wake up to the challenges and should lead from the front. Akwa Ibom people need peace and security!

Even Akwa Ibom ayaya?

gaby:
Even Akwa Ibom ayaya?

that's the dividend of Renewed Hope

Seefinish:
that's the dividend of Renewed Hope

Insecurity in Akwa Ibom has nothing to do with Tinubu's miserable government.

Akwa Ibom might have the glow and sparkle, but the humans who inhabit the state are stark poor. There are no jobs. Money doesn't circulate as is expected in any metropolis and the state has one of the highest youths population in the country. When you fail to provide income means, employment opportunities and empower human capital index, the recipe is going to birth this exact dish.

The amount of petty robbery and burglary in that state is reminiscent of what Lagos was in the late 90s.

It’s nationwide now