FROM: JOE EFFIONG, UYO
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lashed out at the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State for blame the growing security challenges on Governor Udom Emmanuel.
Publicity Secretary of APC in the state, Mr. Edet Bassey, had allegedly blamed Governor Emmanuel for the killings and kidnapping in the Ukanafun Local Government Area of the state, in which the secretary of that local government council, Mr. Ime Atakpa was shot dead.
Atakpa was killed barely two weeks after the proprietor of Sure Foundation Polytechnic, a private institution in the area, Dr. Idongesit Udom, was kidnapped on his way to the church.
The APC, through its spokesman, had described the development as a sign of failure of the state government.
But in a response, Publicity Secretary of the PDP in the state, Mr. Ini Ememobong, said the task of providing security for lives and property was solely the responsibility of the Federal Government and not that of the state.
In the PDP statement, “This callous misplacement is very mischievous and disingenuous, emanating either from very ignorant minds or terribly manipulative brains, determined to annoy the citizenry more by attempting to distract them from the current economic misadventure which the APC led federal government has undertaken since May 29, 2015.
“Part 1 of the second schedule (exclusive Legislative list) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999(as amended)- specifically items 2, 38 and 45 which lists Arms, ammunition and explosives; Military(including any other branch of the Armed Forces of the Federation); Police and other Government security Services established by law, respectively as matters under the exclusive powers of the Federal Government
“The effect of the above legislation is that the provision of security is the sole duty of the Federal Government and nothing more pretentious. May we further remind that, the constitution having placed the duty on the Federal Government, any other tier of Government cannot be held responsible for the failure of such a duty, but if they make noticeable contributions, they can be applauded. The title Chief Security Officer is a ceremonial appellation, as all the heads of the Security agencies domiciled in a state report to the Federal Government, only briefing the state.
“Ipso facto the best place to lay the blame for insecurity is at the door of the APC Federal Government. On this score, we appeal to the President to employ more security personnel and motivate them properly to undertake the onerous task of protecting others,) the PDP publicity secretary said.
He rather than waste time on irrelevant issues, APC in Akwa Ibom should be very concerned with the inability of the Federal Government to effectively handle the killer Fulani herdsmen crisis, that has come very close to, and given genuine concerns to the people of the state.