Since the news started trending in the media on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, that the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, had outlawed secret cult activities and other related violent behaviour in the state, I have carefully followed the events, read reactions/jubilation trailing the action of the state chief security officer on the development.
This is about the first action Governor Emmanuel had taken in the best interest of the people of the state, since coming onboard as governor in 2015, as could be seen by the wider commendations the policy has attracted from all political parties and persons of all walks of life.
So far, I am yet to read a single condemnation of the policy by any individual, group or political party in the state, because, this is one policy that has put the governor above party leaning, and political consideration; above self and 2019 ambition.
And, the governor being the first amongst his contemporary in the country to take such a decision, showcased him in good spotlight across the country.
Mr Emmanuel has reinvigorated my optimism for our generation yet unborn. He has given the hope that crime is no more an excuse but an option in our own clime. And, believe me, this new policy will go a long way to solving in PART, our security challenges as our jobless youths will henceforth, seek lawful means of livelihood instead.
It would have solved the insecurity problems, though, in part, if ONLY Akwa Ibom politicians will not ENGAGE, CONTRACT and/or ARMED these same outlawed “cult groups” or others, under whatever guise for purposes of the 2019 general elections and beyond, at the detriment of the larger society, after the elections.
It would again, have solved the insecurity crisis, if our political officeholders do not and will not patronise and/or encourage these cult groups by rewarding them with appointment into positions of authority in our society.
I can say with all amount of certainty that though secret cult is a menace that has eaten deeply into the fibre of our very existence – as a society, majority of those in positions of authority from the federal, state and local government levels; cutting across the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary, even our security agencies, religious leaders, traditional rulers, lecturers, students and etc, cannot come out clean in this!
That is why; I think the governor deserves not just our commendations, but a standing ovation for rising up to the occasion of upholding his constitutional duty, to protect lives and property of people in Akwa Ibom state.
The governor had while signing ‘The Cultism and Other Violent Behaviour Prohibition Order 2018,’ into force, which took effect on Monday, March 12, 2018, cited reported cases of secret cult activities and other violent related crisis in Etim Ekpo, Ukanafun and Ikot Ekpene LGAs as his reason, but the law, as it were, is now in the statute books of the state and is applicable to the 31 LGAs of Akwa Ibom state.
“Let me also implore other councils that have actually embraced peace to continue to show that in their conduct and everything they do, because we want peace in every part of this state,” the governor warned.
Mr Emmanuel also said it would re-enforce and re-energise the already existing Criminal Code Law, Cap 38 Laws of Akwa Ibom State dated 2000. The governor drew his powers from Section 70 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 38 Volume 2 laws of Akwa Ibom (2000) to enact the order.
Truly, the governor has again, won the hearts of Akwa Ibomites in this particular bold action of his. This is a clear message that there is a new sheriff in town! Yes, it was long expected, albeit, he had done it. It now behooves on all Akwa Ibomites to support the governor to pull through this rare courage, given that he has the political will to fully implement the law without any fear or favour.
And I sincerely hope, and truly too, that this is not another political instrument which is politically-motivated and would be targeted at only political opponents of Governor Udom Emmanuel.
My fears, however, stem from the 2011political history in Akwa Ibom state, when a law; termed as; the Anti-kidnapping and terrorism law, was hurriedly passed by the House of Assembly and immediately assented to, by Governor Godswill Akpabio, as he then was. The history further recorded that, the Akpabio’s Anti-Kidnapping and Terrorism law was used against opponents of Akpabio’s government especially, during the 2011 electioneering campaigns when members of the Peoples Democratic Party (Akpabio’s party) and members of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) clashed at Ikot Ekpene LGA with a reprisal attack in Uyo LGA. The law, to say the least, came into force and was cited in the court for the first time, when the 2011 ACN gubernatorial candidate, Senator John James Akpanudodehe was arraigned before a Magistrate court, Fulga Street, Uyo, on account of the aforesaid incident.
Be that as it may, so far, Mr Udom Emmanuel has proven to be his own man. He has shown some level of independence in the running of the state. I could add that he has made me believe somehow, that he is fully now in-charged of his administration. But my only prayer for him is that, he does not end up being quoted for the wrong reason, i.e.; as a governor who enacted a law targeted at his 2019 opponents with respect to the implementation of this anti-cultism law. Just like his predecessor (Senator Akpabio) earned my reference in this piece.
Only time will tell!
- Franklyn Isong is a public affairs commentator
