Ijeoma Agudosi/Yemisi Izuora
The Doing Democracy Movement (DDM),a network organizations in the Niger Delta Region has called on the federal government to support the Judicial Commission of Enquiry set up by the state governor, Rotimi Amechi following the increasing spate of politically motivated killings in the state.
The group which unequivocally condemned the latest killing of Chief Christopher Adube, his four children, a driver and others in Obirikom,in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of Rivers said the support has become imperative to help unravel the reasons behind the crime.
In a statement by the DDM signed by its Converner Anyakwee Nsirimovu observed that there has been no effective corresponding response to action over time by the law enforcement agencies to stem the tide, especially the Nigeria police, that has a primary responsibility for crime prevention, law and order.
“DDM notes the prevailing impression being created in the minds of the public in the state, to the effect that some persons have licence to maim, destroy and slaughter without let or hindrance” the statement said.
The group noted further that the palpable fear being created and the possibility of police inaction has led to residents resorting to self-help.
The statement further said, “DDM is most worried by the regular promises for action after the event by the Police command, that yields absolutely no results as the process of what appears to be designed impunity continues unmolested, thereby further eroding public trust and confidence in a constitutional force put together to protect lives and property of all, not privileged few, therefore emboldening the political killers to freely intimidate and strike at will”.
According to Nsirimovu, inspite of various strata of police divisions, properly decentralized to make crime bursting in partnership with communities and citizens easier. Nothing seem to suggest that there are community-based geographical knowledge of criminal spots, necessary intelligence to halt gangs and cult groups, especially so, since these criminal outfits do not only appear during political elections, but has always lived and maintained by their mentors in such communities or venues; and engaging in varied criminal activities, until there is an election when they become consultants to inordinate ambitious politicians who would stop at nothing to gain political power positions.
It expressed deep worry over the intensive proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons which is a pressing security threats before the eyes of law enforcement agencies without any significant action of value being taken to stem same.
DDM therefore called on the Inspector General of Police(IGP) to take necessary remedial action to build and return public trust and confidence in a people oriented policing, and cast off the all pervading and prevailing culture of fear.
The group also sought for the mop-up of small arms and light weapons in communities and creeks of the state and region to make the region peaceful again.