Recently, the news about the incarceration of Pius Awoke, Esq. became a media frenzy and saturated social media, particularly in the legal cycle.
Firstly, Otu Oka-iwu wants to appreciate the lawyers who made the sad situation of Awoke known and those who persistently called for the intervention of NBA.
We appreciate the President of the Nigerian Bar Association for his intervention in ensuring that Awoke and his cousin were released from the DSS.
Now, despite that our brother has been released, one unfortunate issue that needs to be addressed is the fact that he was arrested and detained since 2021. Assuming that his arrest and continued detention and perhaps persecution were not made known to the public, he would still be a prisoner under DSS. Without a doubt, this might be the fate of other people who do not have anyone to cry out about their conditions under the DSS and probably under other security agencies in the country.
It is no news that court orders are flagrantly disobeyed and persons perceived as political enemies or threats of some sorts are unconstitutionally detained at the mercy of DSS or other security agencies, a knowm case in point is that of Nnamdi Kalu.
Indeed, the renewed call for his release by the Concerned Federal Lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South-East is a welcomed development. Otu Oka-iwu Abuja is in full support of that call and hereby lends a voice and appeal to his Excellency, Asiwaju Ahmed Balo Tinubu that indeed, the only solution left to the Nnamdi Kalu situation is political.
In the same vain, we extend this plea on behalf of other persons that might be held on trumped-up charges or without charges at all. In this instance, we further appeal to His Excellency to look into the case of Chief Frederick Nkemdilim Nwajagu, Eze Igbo of Ajao Estste. Chief Frederick was arraigned on nine- count charges bordering on terrorism, supporting a proscribed entity, terrorism financing, etc.
But, it must, however, be known that we are not supporting any clandestine activity by anybody. Our stand is that in every case, there is a peculiar circumstance that can avail the accused. As a renowned and sagacious politician, we have no doubt that His Excellency will understand the need for the release of Nnamdi Kalu and Chief Fredrick.
At this point, we want to emphasize that the independence of the judiciary is paramount. We want a judiciary that it’s Orders are obeyed and a common man who relies on it as the last hope will benefit from speedy trials as in political cases.
INSECURITY
We condemn the incessant kidnapping and killing of innocent citizens by any group of persons under any appellation. As the chief security officer of the Nation, we demand for the reform of the security agencies in the country particularly the Nigerian Police and state that State Police is over due for the proper policing and provision of domestic security in the country.
We particularly submit that there is a huge essence of having adequate security in most parts of the South-East; being a commercial hub for forstering investment. The industrial evolution being witnessed in most parts of the South-East should be encouraged through a robust and efficient security architecture.
A situation where an industry has been built but yet to commence business because of security threat is unacceptable.
In view of the economic situation of the country, there is an utmost need for industrialization to promote made in Nigeria goods and services.
Further to this, we call on the Southeast Governors to lead from the front and drive the ancient Igbo economic development philosophy of AKU RUE UNO (THINK HOME) by providing maximum security and ease of doing business.
RESTRUCTURING
We also demand from Mr. President to, as a matter of urgency, and for the sake of Nigeria and Nigerians, take urgent steps, aimed at reverting to True Fiscal Federal system; where regions/states will constitute pure and true Federating Units, controlling their resources and contributing to the National purse.
We, therefore, state that the call for restructuring Nigeria is also a welcomed development that is long-overdue.
We strongly advocate that it is paramount to urgently create an additional state in the South-East Region of the Country for the sake of equity and fairness, even as the advanced step is anticipated.
MINIMUM WAGE
The vexed issue of salary increase touches not only those who are pushing for it but most importantly on those that it is pushed for. We support the agitations of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) ably led by Comrade Joe Ajero to ensure that a labourer receives what is adequately due for his labour. We note that the economic situation in the country is not friendly and is not at per with what is proposed by the Federal and State Governments. A minimum wage above the sum of N100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) can not kill Nigeria if the looting that has gone on and unabetted for so long has not killed it.
CONCLUSION
There are multifarious issues faced in this country and all hands must be on deck with sincerity of purpose. The increased human capital flight out of the country, both professionally and otherwise, is very unfortunate. The spirit of greed and misappropriation that has brought this country almost to its knees has put it under siege, and the casualties are the common man. Nigeria is for all of us, and we have to make it work one way or the other.
Chidi Udekwe ESQ
President
Otu Oka-iwu Abuja
