The Abia State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has a pointed piece of advice for Governor Alex Otti: tackle the rising tide of insecurity head-on. In a candid conversation with our correspondent, Abraham Amah, the Vice Chairman of the state’s PDP, shed light on the connection between poverty and crime in Abia.
Amah emphasized, “Security is paramount, but we must address the root causes of insecurity. When poverty thrives, so do security issues – it’s like a chain reaction.”
He stressed that it’s crucial for the governor to prioritize the economic situation and openly communicate his plans to uplift Abia State. “The removal of fuel subsidies has triggered higher inflation, impacting the cost of living. While the government has taken steps, we’re yet to feel the full impact,” he added.
However, C.K. Igara, the state chairman of the Labour Party, had a different stance. He disagreed with the PDP’s counsel, deeming it unnecessary. “We’ve recently launched Operation Crush to combat criminal activities. We’ve been proactive, curbing criminality. The call for more action is unwarranted,” Igara asserted.
He further clarified, “Operation Crush is an ongoing process, not a one-time solution. Our security strategy has multiple layers, strategically designed to catch wrongdoers off guard.”
Igara emphasized the centrality of security to the state’s development agenda. “Security is a cornerstone of progress. Our focus is unwavering – development with safety. Since Operation Crush’s inception, criminals have been notably silent,” he remarked, expressing satisfaction with the current state of affairs.
In the realm of Abia’s politics, it’s evident that addressing the security concern is a nuanced matter, with differing viewpoints about the best path forward.