Federal Government Has Capacity To End Insecurity–Ortom
Governor of Benue state, Dr Samuel Ortom, has described the latest arrests of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People Of Biafra,IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and that of the Yoruba Nations agitation, Sunday Igboho, as a clear indication of the Federal government’s economised capacity to end insecurity in the country.
Governor Ortom made the observation while delivering a keynote address at the third lecture series of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Enugu South East Zonal chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists and official inauguration of the Obinna Ogbuka-led executive of the chapel, where some distinguished personalities, including the Benue governor, were given awards for outstanding performances.
In the paper themed, “emerging security situation in the South East: the place of good governance”, the Benue governor alleged that the Federal Government was playing double standards with security, noting that,”the puzzle that readily comes to mind whenever the issue of security is to be discussed is that of insincerity on the part of the leadership of this country especially at the Federal level. “The coercive forces are owned and controlled by the Federal Government and they can deploy the forces whenever and wherever they want. “It is evident that the Federal Government has chosen to play double standards in its handling of the security situation as it affects some regions especially the South East, North Central, South South and South West, while at the same time treating with kid gloves, the menace of killer Fulani herdsmen, bandits and other terrorists in the North East and North West”.
Dr Ortom however, asked the agitators for various interests to be on the side of caution and eschew all acts that could promote crisis, while advocating dialogue as the best option in any dispute. “I am not a supporter of violence in any form, neither am I here to justify the violence being witnessed in parts of the South East. “This is why I condemn in strong terms, the destruction of Federal Government properties such as INEC offices, attacks on police stations, law enforcement operatives and even traditional rulers. “Such attacks and destruction do not make a positive case for freedom fighters and campaigners for justice”, he warned.
He described journalists as reliable partners in the task of ensuring that good governance is in place and commended the media for remarkable contributions to nation building.
The governor further observed that the current state of insecurity had placed a great challenge on the media and urged journalists to sustain the positive attributes of their roles through unbiased reportage.
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state who was represented at the event by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Chuks Ugwoke, commended the FRCN, Enugu for contributing to the project of good governance in the state through coverage of its activities in pragmatic and responsible manner.
The zonal director of FRCN, Enugu, Pastor Emmanuel Inegbedion, while expressing delight at the level of prominence of attendance at the event, commended the Benue state governor for the honour done to the station through his active participation,re-enacted the FRCN position in offering fair services to the people.
In his remarks, the chairman of the occasion and renowned media operator, Mr Vin-Martins Iloh, challenged journalists to live up to their mandate of engendering national cohesion through professional approach to their duties and advocated responsible and development journalism, to achieve the expected height.
Earlier in an address, the chairman of NUJ FRCN, Enugu chapel, Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, while commending the political leadership for their collaboration with the media, however called for greater encouragement of the operators through enhanced remunerations to spark proficiency.
Comrade Ogbuka promised that his leadership would ensure sustained labour- management cohesion for increased welfare of the workers, to maintain the pacesetter status of the station.
“To sustain its role model status in the industry and remain the pride of Ndigbo in reaching out to the nation and the world in general, there is need for support from the people of the zone to, not only keep the station afloat, but to meet the standard of modern broadcasting”, Ogbuka added.
Other distinguished personalities who received awards at the event included, the special adviser to the Enugu state governor on Information, Barr Steve Oruruo; the leader of Enugu state House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Ikechukwu Ezeugwu;Retired federal permanent secretary and one-time Accountant General of Enugu state, Sir Chiyeaka Ohaa; Chairman of Nkanu West local government area, Chief Nwabueze Nnamani and General Manager, Enugu State Marketing Company, Princess Valeria-Janet Maluze.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, while he is presently on his M.Sc programme also in Mass Communication, at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is currently the NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
