Ohanaeze Right In Advising South-Easterners To Arm Themselves

In a significant and widely discussed development, Chief Martin Onovo, a seasoned politician and the 2015 presidential candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP), has publicly backed the Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s controversial advice to South-Easterners to arm themselves for self-defense.

Engr. Onovo, a prominent figure in the petroleum sector and currently serving as Head, Policy Positions, for the Movement for Fundamental Change, articulated his strong support for Ohanaeze’s stance. His endorsement adds considerable weight to a sensitive and much-debated issue, signalling a growing concern over security challenges in the region.

Onovo’s affirmation that Ohanaeze is ‘right’ in its counsel underscores a deep-seated apprehension among leaders and citizens regarding the perceived inadequacy of existing security measures. The call for citizens to arm themselves, while contentious and often a last resort, typically arises from a context where communities feel vulnerable and unprotected against persistent threats such as banditry, kidnappings, and other forms of violent crime.

For a political figure of Onovo’s standing to openly support such advice highlights the critical urgency of the situation. It suggests a belief that the right to self-preservation is paramount when state-provided security appears insufficient or overwhelmed. This endorsement transforms Ohanaeze’s advice from a regional sentiment into a broader political statement, demanding national attention and a re-evaluation of security strategies in the South-East.

As the debate surrounding security in Nigeria continues to intensify, Chief Martin Onovo’s unequivocal backing of Ohanaeze’s position will undoubtedly fuel further discussions on the constitutional rights to self-defense, the responsibilities of the state, and the measures required to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.

Source: Original Article