Militarization of Abia: prelude to wide scale problems
Posted by Factnews | 7 years ago | 2,635 times
By Cosmos Ndukwe, Ph.D
It's most appropriate at this time to speak up as a resident of Aba and a stakeholder.
At wee hours of today and till this minute, there's no kind of information that I have not been inundated with. From the alleged killing of Igbos in Aba to the very disturbing alleged pockets of altercation between Igbos and Hausas, one thing is clear: a war like situation is gradually being created in Abia, especially in Aba. It's only in war periods that people tend to give interpretations that suit their whims at the detriment of the other side. It's only in war situations that people's minds are agitated and compelled to react differently at the sight of military personnel and their weapons of war.
Anybody who knows Aba very well would agree with me that the town is the most fertile ground for unwholesome speculation. Interestingly too, the residents know how to go about their businesses so long as you do not give them room to bake their speculations. Military ranks around Aba is merely the reason the town and its people appear unsettled at this time. The SHOW OF FORCE by the Nigerian Military is the reason palpitation rents the air, fear is common and rumour mongers have taken over the land. This SHOW OF FORCE in a very peaceful Abia at this time can only be likened to why the cat and dog fight. When the dog wags its tail, it shows friendliness and acknowledgment of goodwill. When the cat wags its tail, it's demonstration of anger, fury and signposts danger. Surely, the cat misunderstands the dog, thus a fight ensues.
This is not the time to SHOW FORCE. I am also certain that this is also not the best time for citizens to be confrontational. The only solution to this avoidable carnage is to suspend this PYTHON DANCE II. The best thing is for the President to direct that Abia be restored to its security position before the miscalculated and misdirected influx of soldiers in Abia. Aba people do not like to feel occupied and intimidated. You will also note that apart from the women's riots of 1929, the residents are known to settle their disputes amongst themselves. The more they think they are occupied, the more the propaganda mill in Aba sends shivers to the spines of people. The result would likely be fatal and counterproductive. No man, no matter how powerful can ever win judgment against his clan.
Whatever it is that the federal government seeks to achieve, strategy is key. No sane person would vote for war or violence of any kind at this time. However, the awareness raised by the social media makes scrutinization of rules of engagement very easy and timely. People tend to react sometimes in excess when messages of intimidation and or acts not in tandem with international best practices are encountered.
I am glad our Governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has taken proactive measures to restore peace and order. I am also aware that leaders of thought in the South East are engaged in frantic efforts to make the citizens see reason for undiluted peace. Those tanks, those soldiers, those acts by the military personnel are invitations to a long lasting repugnant reactions by the people.
We can reignite the dialogue to put a lasting solution to this. However, I insist that harassing people, instilling fear in them and showing force would do more harm than good. We need to reassure the people that life not death is what the government wishes for them.
Please call off OPERATION PYTHON DANCE II off now. It is a prelude for large scale problems.
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