Inequitable Distribution Of Commonwealth Fuelling Insecurity –

Delta State governor and vicepresidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, Ifeanyi Okowa has said that it is inequitable distribution of this nation's wealth that is fueling insecurity in the country.

He also stated that the farmers/herders’ conflicts being experienced across the country is threatening the continued existence of the country.

Okowa who spoke as a special guest at the 11th Zik Lecture Series held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, pointed out that the currently violent crimes in the country including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armedrobbery was a being seed sowed since many years now due to bad leadership.

He said as much as the nation needs a strong leader to reposition the country on the path of progress, there was also a need for reform some of the instructions, including police, media, judicial, Legislature, as well as the electoral umpire to make them stronger for optimum performance for national development.

Okowa described the security situation in Nigeria as a hydra headed monster that has undermined public safety and threatening the continued existence of Nigeria as one united, indivisible country.

The event was attended by top dignitaries including a former Chief of Defence Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (rtd); Senator Ben Obi, legal luminary, Mike Ozekhome; proprietor of United African Airline, Professor Obiora Okonkwu, and the host, Vice-chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, UNIZIK, Awka, Professor Okechukwu Osimone, etc

Okowa said, "The surge in mass kidnappings, insurgency, banditry, herder-farmer conflicts, ritual killings, and other acts of terrorism is, to say the least, frightening. With the advance in technology, the terrorists are becoming more sophisticated in their operations, using more advanced technologies including drones, GPS systems, and encrypted messaging services to spread propaganda and recruit others into their network.

“It is my considered view that Nigeria is reaping the harvest of the bad seed it sowed a few years back by obliging kidnappers with ransom payments. It was a fatal mistake that has spawned a huge industry in kidnapping.

“There is also a strong link between increased terrorism and inequality and inequitable distribution of wealth. The widening gulf between the rich and the poor in our country is alarming.

“Equally alarming is the poverty rate, which stood at 40 percent in 2021, and is believed to be around 45 percent in 2022, which translates to 90 million citizens living below the poverty line. This has led to disenchantment and feeling of alienation among our teeming youth population, leading to rise in cybercrimes, kidnappings, ritual killings, and other violent acts that undermine our national security.”