BY EMMANUEL NDON
Every government in the world has the direct responsibility of ensuring the safety of lives and of citizens, amongst other primary responsibilities.
In other words, the protection of lives and property is a major responsibility of government at all levels.
In order to achieve this, a determined government must be intentional in the formulation of easily implementable policies and programmes that will first of all guarantee peace.
This is because it is difficult to protect lives and property in the absence of peace. It can be argued that this understanding tends to make the quest for maintenance of peace a priority for the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel in Akwa Ibom State.
As a matter of fact, governor Udom Emmanuel has left no stone unturned in his deliberate effort to ensure that peace prevails in every nook and cranny of the state since the assumption of office.
Prior to the coming on board of the present administration, Akwa Ibom State was categorized as a flashpoint due to the spate of kidnappings, killings, and assassinations. Precisely on 22nd March 2011, suspected loyalists of the then opposition party in Akwa Ibom state set fire on over 500 taxicabs purchased and branded for public transportation in the state.
At that time, the campaign office of then-President Goodluck Jonathan on Abak Road, Uyo was also set ablaze. Over time, there were cases of violence recorded across the state.
Today, the present administration has invested enormous material and financial resources, applying ingenuity to quell violent clashes and killings experienced in parts of Ukanafun, Oruk Anam, and Etim Ekpo axis in addition to the prescription of cult groups.
This modest achievement in the sustenance of peace by the governor has received plaudits from a cross-section of Akwa Ibom indigenes and even nonindigenes resident in the state.
In fact, there is evidence that the majority of Akwa Ibom people want to enjoy the peaceful disposition the current dispensation has availed them beyond 2022.
One can say strongly that the formation of Maintain Peace Movement, MPM, apart from the prospect of sustaining the legacies and benefits of the present government, achieved through the instrumentality of peace, has also met with the yearnings and expectations of the peace-loving people of the state.
But it needs to be emphasized here that the idea behind MPM is essentially to sustain the prevailing peace in the state.
Sadly, a few days ago, an attempt to discredit the prevalent peace in the state by a splinter group within the opposition party in Akwa Ibom came to the fore.
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The group, Akwa Ibom APC Coalition, AAC, had tried to disprove the institution of Maintain Peace Movement, MPM as a vehicle to sustain the peace currently enjoyed in the state. It was also a sad commentary for the group to throw caution to the wind, make itself a Judge, and categorically pronounce some responsible citizens in government as cultists.
As already known, it is in the character of the opposition to criticize or misconstrue almost every policy or programme of government, no matter the genuineness of the issue.
It was in bad taste for the group to allege that the governor’s Christmas broadcast was laced with subtle innuendos to cast a bad image and form an objectionable impression of APC as a violent political party.
The truth is that there was nothing to suggest a reference to the opposition party in the aspect of the governor’s Christmas speech quoted by the group. The position of the state’s chief executive has always been averse to any individual who aims to grab power through the instrument of violence.
That, indeed, is a noble stand, a plausible position that should be embraced by everyone with good intention for the future of Akwa Ibom state.
As noted by Norm Coleman; “it is easy to criticize, particularly in a political season, but to lead is something altogether different. The leader must live in the real world of the price that might be paid for the goal that has been set”. This explains the exemplary attitude of the present government.
There is nothing wrong with criticism provided it does no harm other than intended to put the government in check. It does more good when such critics offer a viable alternative. But the resort to blackmail is an evil wind that blows no one any good.
The Udom Emmanuel administration has given everybody the freedom to ride on the crest of popularity and superior program other than violence and coercion.
As we move into the New Year, let us shake off the old garment of politics of undue criticism, bitterness, blackmail, and violence to embrace issue-based politics and constructive criticism for the growth and development of Akwa Ibom State.
