IPDI to Okowa: Enlist Ex- Militants, Egbesu boys, others into proposed state security outfit – The Liberator

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By Ndu Samuel, Asaba

The Delta State governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa have been urged to consider enlisting former mIlitants, Egbesu boys and other community based vigilante groups into the proposed state security outfit code named Delta Hawk.

Renowned Ijaw rights group, The Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative (IPDI) who made the call in a press statement signed by it’s National President Comr. Austin Ozobo a copy of which was sent to The Liberator Newspaper on Friday noted that the proposed security network is long overdue.

IPDI disclosed that they proposed the inclusion of ex militants into Delta Hawk because it believes that only people with supernatural powers can effectively achieve the purpose for which the security outfit is created.

They said “It is our call that ex-militants, Egbesu boys and vigilante group be massively recruited into the proposed state security outfit. This is very important if the security outfit is not a medium to steal government fund. People with mystic power such as the ex-militant and Egbesu boys should be prioritized for effective performance as the herders are known for using mystical powers.”

“It is our appeal that the proposed security, operation Delta Hawk which a bill to back it, is already before the state house of assembly for consideration should not be politicized. The proposed Delta state security network is long overdue. Our recent advocacy on it may have pushed Okowa to have seen the urgent need to set-up a state security network to avert the looming threats of herders attacks in the state.”

While cautioning against police interference in the recruitment process, the group said “we warn against police interference, the police can’t be trusted. The state assembly should make laws that will empower the new security outfit to operate without police interference. The police is now sectional and its integrity has been compromised. The proposed security outfit should be given independent powers to work without taking order or reporting to the police of its activities. The essence of the new security network is because the current police has failed. The police will mislead the new security outfit if it is meant to take authority from the police.”

They also advised that “The proposed security network should be equipped in such a way that it could subdue herders who carries aka 47 rifles with mystical powers. The recruitment should be done in community basis and that is the only way all communities will be secured against these marauding herders.”

“We want to further state that the proposed security network will also not produce the desire result if the right people are not appointed or recruited to Mann it. The slots should be distributed among all LGAs in the state and that adding politics to it will weaken and reduced performance in the proposed security network in the state.”

While thanking the state governor and his Senior Special Adviser on Security Comr. Ezekiel Daniel for the timely response to the many calls by IPDI to establish a formidable regional security network to tackle the many challenges of herders and bandits attacks, the group noted that “the success of the proposed security network wouldn’t have come to limelight if not their hard work We urge Daniel Ezekiel and others to continue their good works in the state.” He stated.

They also called on Comrade Daniel Ezekiel, Chief Boro Opudu, Chairman Delta waterways /Land security committee and other Ijaw leaders in the state government “to protect Ijaw interest despite their offices are meant for the entire state being Ijaw sons as done by sons of neighbouring tribes in the state. We will not take it likely if Ijaw nation is being shortchanged as done in the previous times during sharing of important opportunities in the state.”

Recall that the State government on Tuesday announced that it has resolved to establish a Joint Security Taskforce christened “Operation Delta Hawk” to fight rising insecurity in the state.

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