By: Amb. Anthony Akalugo
NJABA RANKS AMONG SAFE LGAs – SYNERGY OF LEADERS AND SECURITY AGENCIES, An initiative of Etiokwe Njaba
By: Amb. Anthony Akalugo
Leadership is everything and leadership is in everything. This is an assertion from #LSCoach. It points at the fact of an axiom that it is only the hand that keeps the thick forest. Meaning that where the hands are up and doing, weed would not be left to grow into thick forest, a call for all to be up and doing.
Before the assumption of office of Chief Vitalis Ugochukwu Obi, Etiokwe Njaba, as the Sole Administrator of Njaba, the height of insecurity and volatility of the area was ranking among the highest in the state. It became a thing of concern that the once calm and quiet local government area was fast turning into a security hotbed.
Njaba ranked among top volatile places with rampant cases of attacks, maiming, sporadic shootings, robbery and kidnapping, etc. It is true that people were killed and butchered, and people instantly turned soft targets, just through whistle blowing. The killing of Ndi Eze Okwudor and Ihebinowerre comes to mind. The killing of Eze Edwin Azike of Atta and attack of Barr. Paul attest to this fact. Other incidents are on record about insecurity and brigandage that was the order of the day.
One could remember how impassable Njaba bridge area was, once it got to 6pm and beyond, with constant robbery attack occuring daily. Then one date not take bus from Owerri, drive private car across or even have your vehicle breakdown around the bridge belt.
There was a mix of criminality with jealousy and everything was hidden under agitation for self determinacy.
It looked a difficult task to contend with, as it took a complex form and residents of Njaba, youths, parents and all began to move away from Njaba because it became unsafe to be found within the area. Some parts of Njaba came under the control of anonymous forces and it became almost accepted that anonymous forces controlled and dictated affairs, but all changed as soon as Etiokwe Njaba took charge of affairs.
Insecurity has been substantially downgraded and all the areas are now back to Central control and order. Killings and maiming has ended and robbery and kidnapping is no more.
The gang that was carrying out daily robbery has been decimated and normalcy has returned to Njaba such that socioeconomic life has been restored.
To achieve this wasn’t a rocket science but systemic approach to engagement of stakeholders. Etiokwe initiated a frontal leaders’ approach such that innocent youths hounded into the detention of security operatives were released. He galvanized the youths and empowered them to fish out the bad eggs and to charge them to move away from the land, change their behavior or face the consequences. He began to work closely with the vigilante, police, military and DSS to ensure that lives and properties are secured. Engagement of other leaders and strategic stakeholders paid off and activities were restored in the council headquarters and the entire local government area.
Njaba has returned to a calm, secure, and thriving place for socioeconomic activities all thanks to the ingenious approach of the sole Administrator, Chief Vitalis Ugochukwu Obi, Etiokwe Njaba.
His responsiveness to calls and security briefs is legendary and his relationship with security apparatus is significant. He mingles with the youths and shares moments with them, thereby receiving first hand information. Constantly attending functions and supporting youths with his presence and donations is a constant step he takes and therefore endears him to the youths. For the fact that the youths are all exciting that Etiokwe is on the saddle, Njaba became safe without dropping a bullet.
Oputaobie Njaba is no doubt a true ambassador of the 3R Shared prosperity Government and he is posting an outstanding record in the governance of Njaba. He is a true ambassador of the performing Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma. His presence as the sole Administrator is a good omen, providing secure and safe Njaba, engaging in developmental undertakings, infrastructure, inspiring grassroots support for the 3R shared Prosperity government of Sen. Hope Uzodimma. Etiokwe deserves a state and national applause for his performance.
© Amb. Anthony Akalugo
Dolly Online News, 2023
