The President of organised labour in civil service sector under the aegis of Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Dr. Tommy Etim Okon has raised the concerns over current spate of insecurity in the country, charging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take drastic steps to tackle the problem that has worsened hunger in the country.
Citing the risk involved in trying to downplay on the seriousness of the current threat to lives, properties, farming, by herdsmen, kidnappers and terrorists, Okon warned Tinubu to desist from consultations from foreigners who have no genuine interest in the wellbeing of Nigerians in order to fight and win war against looming situation of hunger in the country.
According to him, the systematic foot dragging tackling of the problems by pretending that all is well without government and policy makers coming out with drastic steps toward taking drastic steps will result in more vices when Nigerians on empty stomach are roaming the streets because of food insecurity.
He reminded the government that as security is one of the constitutional responsibilities of the government, they should tackle the insecurity without feigning ignorance that all is well while terrorists, herdsmen and kidnappings attacks are on the increase on a daily basis.
He said without tackling ongoing insecurity, talking of development in all sectors would be a mirage because no tangible success can take place in an insecure environment.
The ASCSN helmsman who spoke on the state of the ñation during the monthly forum organised by Labour Writers Association of Nigeria(LAWAN) lamented the planned systematic sidelining of concerns of labour by the current administration through use of courts to silence the voice of constructive criticisms by labour.
“21st Labour leaders are builders that are only out not to destroy but to point out the best ways to adopt technological tools in tackling issues that will move the country forward. Allowing advice and consultations from non-state actors would work against collective interests of both the government and the governed.
“Tinubu should remember that the threat of lives, properties and means of livelihood by herdsmen and terrorists across the country could mar his plans for better Nigeria.”
Dwelling on the threat of food security, Okon noted that the imposition of levies on farmers and their produce by kidnappers and terrorists would have counter effects as farmers are being denied access to their farms.
“Farmers are no longer allowed to go to their farms. Those who cannot pay the levies forced on them and their farm produce are being kidnapped while the government is taking drastic steps to deal with the situation. Unless the government takes drastic steps to address the threat to lives, property and farming, Nigerians will be faced with food insecurity which could lead to more vices by hungry men and women in the streets of Nigeria.”
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