A great feat was recorded this weekend by the kogi state government under the leadership of His Excellency, Alh. Yahaya Bello in his bid to rid our dear state of criminally minded elements and make our domain a no go area for armed robbers, kidnappers, rapists, and hooligans who recently had had a free reign and has turned the confluence state, especially the central senatorial district into a theatre of horror and an arena of bloodshed. Bearing in mind that no amount of money spent on security is too much, as we crave to catch up economically, socially and infrastructure wise with the leading states of the federation.
The army forward operation base that has been established by the state government in partnership with the Nigerian military is indeed a step in a right direction. Not only will this development revert the peace that has eluded us for sometime now, this accomplishment would further boost economic development and open up the state to both foreign and local investors for profitable direct and indirect investments, as we all know that peace and tranquillity are the panacea for any meaningful development and economic progression of any society.
The role of criticism in our constitutional democracy cannot be over-emphasised and is not entirely to attack a sitting government or condemn its unpopular and bad policies and programs, but a healthy criticism must also applaud the government and give accolades in the areas it has performed and done creditably and relatively well. Holding a government responsible and accountable to the people by constructively criticising and pointing out faults and errors isn’t just a civic responsibility, it is also moral and godly.
The choice of Okene and the central senatorial district is quite commendable considering the fact that majority of the crime recorded in recent time was perpetuated in that part of the state. Being the gateway linking the north with the east and south, an improved security in Okene will go a long way to further fosters unity among Nigerians and enhance trade and commercial activities. As i hope that the military base wouldn’t become a ready tool in the hand of the state government to further oppress, harrass or torment the opposition and constructive critics, my desire is that this giant stride and bold step will bring back the peace that we all yearned for and will translate into more deliveries of the much craved dividends of democracy to the good people of Kogi central and the state at large. I hereby congratulate the state government, the Nigerian army and kogites at home and abroad on this development.
– Hussain Obaro writes from Lokoja, Kogi State.
oseniobaro@yahoo.com
