Emmanuel Ogbe Omebije, representing Okura constituency in Kogi State, is the Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly since June 2011. In this interview, he expressed sadness over the growing insecurity in Nigeria. Excerpts:
For the past two years, the menace of Boko Haram has brought a lot of pains and hardship to many people especially those in the northern states of the country. What is your opinion?
I want to say that the security challenges facing Nigeria today is not a new thing as we experienced such security problems in the past. We have had religious conflict in Kano during Shagari government. There was also the Kaduna religious and ethnic violence during Babangida’s regime in 1991 and a host of other violent conflicts in Plateau State over the past ten years.
But I must say that in all those violent conflicts, Nigerians and indeed the government of Nigeria, has never looked so helpless and embarrassed as we are going through this Boko Haram insurgence. What is really worrying is that despite the state of emergency imposed on three northern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa since May last year, the blood bath and destruction of property has continued unabated in various parts of the northern states. This has also greatly affected the economic and educational sectors of the region.
As a Nigerian I feel sad that this is happening within my region, and I want to appeal to all the governors in the region to put heads together and stamp out this problem. We should however, not leave this problem to the Federal Government alone to handle, even though the central government is saddled with the sole responsibility of directing the military operation to end the crisis.
The international community has offered to assist in fighting Boko Haram. Is this an admission of failure on the part of the federal government?
I don’t think that way. What I know is that whatever is needed to end this insurgence must be embraced so that peace could reign in the country. But I also think the Federal Government, through the military and other security agencies, should do more to ensure safety of lives and property in the country. It is the fundamental responsibility of any government to its citizens. President Jonathan, therefore, cannot afford to shy away from this duty even though he has been doing his best.
You were worried over such security challenges in your constituency few years ago and you cried out to the state government. What is the situation in the area now?
You will recall that in October 2009, long before I became Deputy Speaker, I moved a motion which was overwhelmingly adopted calling on the governor to put all necessary machinery in place in order to address the security challenge in my constituency, particularly at Anyigba and its environs. The problem was partially solved during Governor Ibrahim’s administration.
On several occasions hoodlums would invade the town putting the good people in the area into mourning. I had to move the motion because Anyigba is an outstanding and vibrant commercial town in the state, more especially as the town is hosting the highest state owned institution of learning, Kogi State University. It has become a densely populated town so whatever affects the town has over-bearing effect on the majority of the people in the state.
I am happy that the government of Captain Idris Wada has completely rid Igalaland of such hoodlums. It is very heartwarming that the so-called thugs harassing innocent people have been completely uprooted in the area and normal peace and development has returned to the entire nine local governments in the area.
Are you going to seek re-election or you will aspire to a higher position?
As a politician, it is the interest of every political office holder to aspire for higher position. Consulting with friends, family members and political supporters in respect of what I shall do at the appropriate time. Whatever my people decide for me eventually, and provided it is in line with my interest, I shall let the public know. But as a legislator, the people would give their verdict of what I have done for them within the past eight years. In the mean time, I will continue to give my total support to Captain Idris Wada’s government as a loyal PDP member in ensuring good dividends of democracy to the people.
Is PDP not threatened by the growing strength of APC in the state?
There is virtually no threat from APC in Kogi State. APC in Kogi State is old wine in new bottle. We know them all. The party will remain an opposition since we know those leading the party in the state. They cannot win any election in the state, I can assure you.
