Politics
Expert Makes Case For Rivers Neighbourhood Watch
A security expert and social commentator, Charles Inko-Tariah, has backed the formation of the Rivers State Neighbourhood Watch Agency by the incumbent administration of Governor Nyesom Wike, saying proper take off of the outfit would lead to crime reduction in the state.
This is as he said that recent comments by President Muhammadu Buhari calling for more community involvement in security is a vindication of the formation of the Neighbourhood Watch.
Inko-Tariah, who stated this when he appeared as guest on a Radio programme in Port Harcourt monitored by The Tide said that the President’s comment that neighbourhood watches were not enough to stem the tide of crime across the country suggest that he implicitly supports such outfits.
He said, “The President was on national television and he was asked one of the challenges of insecurity in the country. He (Buhari) confirmed that it is because there were not enough neighbourhood security watches and he seek the Nigerian populace to bring forth information for the security to operate effectively.
“That vindicates the formation of neighbourhood watch in Rivers State. If Neighbourhood Watch takes off effectively in the state, you will see a proper demobilization of the proliferation of firearms among our young men,” Inko-Tariah stated.
While reacting to the recent declaration of tough times for criminal and criminal gangs in the state by Governor Wike said the security agencies would work with the Neighbourhood Watch when the latter’s operation kicks off, even as he expressed the optimism that the step in ensuring the operationalizing of the outfit would help allay fears amongst people and reduce insecurity in the state.
“What the Neighbourhood Watch would have to do is to do stakeholder engagement. Bring in the security arms together and make your programmes clear to them.
“Enable them ask questions to allay there fears where necessary. Let them know your operational modules and design on how it intends to operate. That will create an integration to the security forces together. And when they come together you The Peoples’ Democratic Party in Rivers State has said that last Wednesday’s second term inauguration of Governor Nyesom Wike is the outcome of overwhelming support of Rivers people to him, assuring that the governor will consolidate on his achievements.
The State Publicity Secretary of the party, Darlington Orji who gave the assurance during a chat with newsmen in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, expressed happiness over the governor’s performance in his first term.
Dennis Naku
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
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