The Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Dame Anengi Barasua Dagogo Claude-Wilcox has condemned, in totality, the increasing occurrence of violence and deliberate disruption of law and order by some erratic youths of the peace-loving Island community.
A statement signed by the Secretary, Bonny Local Government, Hon. Ralph Sotonye Jamaica, yesterday, in Bonny Island, read, “The newfound adoption of illegal measures as a credible means of pursuing individual or group interests is a threat to public peace.
“Likewise, the continued display of an alien blood-thirsty nature in the expression of whatever interest is completely unacceptable to us as a people.
“In recent times, protesting workers over industrial disputes with their employers were attacked at the gate of Daewoo Nigeria Limited by some community youths.
“As if that was not wrong enough, some Finima Community youths were attacked with machetes and brutalised at the community stadium. Each day now comes with one form of violence or lawlessness, and the government cannot wait until life is lost to put to an end this continued display of foolishness.
“There is no doubt, some youths and their sponsors are determined to destroy the peace and enabling environment for the continued pursuit of happiness that we have enjoyed over the years.
“Honestly, no government can fold her arms and watch people take laws into their hands no matter their reasons or concerns. We all need to understand that violence and lawlessness have no place in the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, just as violence and lawlessness have no basis in our custom as a people.
“The gains made in ensuring that peace, law and order are maintained in Bonny Local Government Area by the administration of Dame Anengi Barasua Dagogo Claude-Wilcox will not be allowed to be threatened, thereby exposing our people and corporate citizens to unnecessary fear and harm.
“Understandably, there is no society without aggrieved persons or groups, fortunately, those who prepared the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria made adequate provisions for aggrieved persons to seek redress in a lawful manner without posing a threat to the entire society.
“Therefore, the Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Dame Hon. Anengi Barasua Claude-Wilcox has called for the immediate cease of all forms of violence and lawlessness in Bonny Island.
“Those with grievances are advised to embrace the provisions of the Constitution or take advantage of the open door policy of her administration and stop endangering the lives and wellbeing of our people.
“Further directives have been given to the Divisional Police Officers and other government security agencies operating in Bonny Local Government Area to launch a speedy investigation into all cases of violence and lawlessness recorded within their areas of watch, and effect prompt arrest, prosecution and punishment in accordance with the prescription of the extant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Members of the public are advised to go about their lawful engagements and report to the law enforcement agencies any issue of public safety, we should collectively make Bonny Local Government Area safe and peaceful for everyone; no individual’s lack of respect for the laws of the nation shall be allowed to make life miserable for our people”, the statement added.

By: Nelson Chukwudi