THE
predominant militant group in Cross River State was the Bakassi
Volunteer Force and since the disarm-ing of the members and subsequent
participation in the Amnesty Programme of the Federal Government, the
group, apart from occasional protests for allowances, has been largely
inactive.
Many members of the group had melted into the civil society and are acting as either body guards to politicians or as thugs, commonly known as “supporters or backing group” and usually orches-trate clashes between rival political factions.
Many politicians look up to them for “needed security backup in the event of any security breach by opposing groups” and giving their role as security backups, they have had to clash with supporters of other political leaders and aspirants.
Worried by the violence resulting from frequent clashes by the rival groups, Senator Imoke in 2009 initiated an oath- taking ceremony, where elected and appointed officials in the state had to renounce membership of militant and cult groups with the aim of stamping out the growing trend or at best, minimize political violence in the state.
It has largely worked, but lately, with the split in the PDP political family, the clashes are becoming frequent again.
Often, crowds of young men and women are engaged by aides of politicians to join campaign trains and the entourages of incumbent officials or aspiring politicians as they make campaign rounds. During these rounds, clashes occur.
Clashes
Freshly, the Cross River State Joint Security Task Force, known as Quick Intervention Service, QIS, was invited to quell severe scenes of clashes at a popular hotel, Jorany, located in the eastern part of Calabar, Asari Eso Layout, following clashes by several youths, who were fighting for their benefactors seeking the PDP ticket to represent the Etung/ Obubra Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Several of the combatants sustained injuries in the clashes, which involved the use of cudgels, fists and other offensive weapons. Four of them were arrested.
There was another clash in Ediba, Imoke’s hometown in Abi Local Government Area, by two groups of young men, alleged supporters of the incumbent member of the House of Representatives for Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency and the person seeking to replace him.
These clashes are likely to increase as the preparation for the 2015 election progresses. Most PDP politicians had their hearts in their mouths last Saturday, November 1, as delegates were elected for the governorship, House of Assembly, Senate and House of Representatives primaries.
Calling shots in Edo
BENIN— MAJORITY of the ex-militants in Edo State were incorporated into the administration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole shortly after they surrendered their weapons and accepted amnesty, just as in other parts of the Niger Delta region.
The ex-militant leaders in the state, notably Egbema 1 and Robert Okunbor, were saddled with the responsibility of monitoring the waterways.
They are currently Executive Directors, Surveillance.
About 100 of them are working under the Ministry of Transport in Ovia South West, Ovia North East and Ikpoba Okha local governments, where they are predominantly located.
Their contributions have been useful to the state government and even security agencies, as they help to track down criminals and kidnappers, particularly those who took their victims to riverine communities.
They have also remained relevant in the politics of the state because any aspirant, who is serious about his or her ambition, would normally get the support of the ex-militants, else his ambition is as a good as dead.
Besides, it has been observed that these ex-militants determine who becomes what, particularly in Ovia North East and Ovia South West.
Any aspiring council chairman or councillor may not be able to realize his ambition unless he gets the support of the ex-militants.
In Edo state, many of them are involved in traffic control and in waterways security.
It’s either an Oro governor in A’Ibom or…— EX-MILITANT
UYO—EX-MILITANT leader in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Niko Sintei, said he had warned his members not to get involved in the ongoing politicking in the state, and to resist any politician that tries to engage them in violence in the state.
Speaking to Niger Delta Voice in Uyo, Sintei said he gave the warning knowing that desperate politicians always recruit thugs “during this political period and use them in creating violence.”
His words: “I have advised our people that they should not allow themselves to be used by any politician. And that is why we are not involved in politics.
“We have observed that the politicians will use us to carry out all sorts of violence, while they send their children abroad.
“And I want to advise our politicians in the state that there can only be one governor to take over from the outgoing governor. We cannot have three governors at the same time.
“It should not be a do-or-die affair. A good leader will not seek violence. We are saying that all we want this time is that there should be peace in the state.
“And to ensure total peace, we are advocating that Oro nation, where 95 per cent of the wealth of the state comes from, should be allowed to govern the state in 2015. In the fear of God, Akwa Ibom leaders and people should recognize and consider Oro issue.
“Even though the area produces what comes into the state as allocation, it has been neglected in terms of infrastructure development and we are saying do not deprive them that right.
“The best thing we expect Akpabio to do is to give the governorship to an Oro person to ensure that peace and justice reigns.”
- See more at: http://www.view.com.ng/ex-militants-turns-political-thugs-in-cross-river-state/#sthash.bT5wXyno.dpuf
Many members of the group had melted into the civil society and are acting as either body guards to politicians or as thugs, commonly known as “supporters or backing group” and usually orches-trate clashes between rival political factions.
Many politicians look up to them for “needed security backup in the event of any security breach by opposing groups” and giving their role as security backups, they have had to clash with supporters of other political leaders and aspirants.
Worried by the violence resulting from frequent clashes by the rival groups, Senator Imoke in 2009 initiated an oath- taking ceremony, where elected and appointed officials in the state had to renounce membership of militant and cult groups with the aim of stamping out the growing trend or at best, minimize political violence in the state.
It has largely worked, but lately, with the split in the PDP political family, the clashes are becoming frequent again.
Often, crowds of young men and women are engaged by aides of politicians to join campaign trains and the entourages of incumbent officials or aspiring politicians as they make campaign rounds. During these rounds, clashes occur.
Clashes
Freshly, the Cross River State Joint Security Task Force, known as Quick Intervention Service, QIS, was invited to quell severe scenes of clashes at a popular hotel, Jorany, located in the eastern part of Calabar, Asari Eso Layout, following clashes by several youths, who were fighting for their benefactors seeking the PDP ticket to represent the Etung/ Obubra Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Several of the combatants sustained injuries in the clashes, which involved the use of cudgels, fists and other offensive weapons. Four of them were arrested.
There was another clash in Ediba, Imoke’s hometown in Abi Local Government Area, by two groups of young men, alleged supporters of the incumbent member of the House of Representatives for Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency and the person seeking to replace him.
These clashes are likely to increase as the preparation for the 2015 election progresses. Most PDP politicians had their hearts in their mouths last Saturday, November 1, as delegates were elected for the governorship, House of Assembly, Senate and House of Representatives primaries.
Calling shots in Edo
BENIN— MAJORITY of the ex-militants in Edo State were incorporated into the administration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole shortly after they surrendered their weapons and accepted amnesty, just as in other parts of the Niger Delta region.
The ex-militant leaders in the state, notably Egbema 1 and Robert Okunbor, were saddled with the responsibility of monitoring the waterways.
They are currently Executive Directors, Surveillance.
About 100 of them are working under the Ministry of Transport in Ovia South West, Ovia North East and Ikpoba Okha local governments, where they are predominantly located.
Their contributions have been useful to the state government and even security agencies, as they help to track down criminals and kidnappers, particularly those who took their victims to riverine communities.
They have also remained relevant in the politics of the state because any aspirant, who is serious about his or her ambition, would normally get the support of the ex-militants, else his ambition is as a good as dead.
Besides, it has been observed that these ex-militants determine who becomes what, particularly in Ovia North East and Ovia South West.
Any aspiring council chairman or councillor may not be able to realize his ambition unless he gets the support of the ex-militants.
In Edo state, many of them are involved in traffic control and in waterways security.
It’s either an Oro governor in A’Ibom or…— EX-MILITANT
UYO—EX-MILITANT leader in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Niko Sintei, said he had warned his members not to get involved in the ongoing politicking in the state, and to resist any politician that tries to engage them in violence in the state.
Speaking to Niger Delta Voice in Uyo, Sintei said he gave the warning knowing that desperate politicians always recruit thugs “during this political period and use them in creating violence.”
His words: “I have advised our people that they should not allow themselves to be used by any politician. And that is why we are not involved in politics.
“We have observed that the politicians will use us to carry out all sorts of violence, while they send their children abroad.
“And I want to advise our politicians in the state that there can only be one governor to take over from the outgoing governor. We cannot have three governors at the same time.
“It should not be a do-or-die affair. A good leader will not seek violence. We are saying that all we want this time is that there should be peace in the state.
“And to ensure total peace, we are advocating that Oro nation, where 95 per cent of the wealth of the state comes from, should be allowed to govern the state in 2015. In the fear of God, Akwa Ibom leaders and people should recognize and consider Oro issue.
“Even though the area produces what comes into the state as allocation, it has been neglected in terms of infrastructure development and we are saying do not deprive them that right.
“The best thing we expect Akpabio to do is to give the governorship to an Oro person to ensure that peace and justice reigns.”
- See more at: http://www.view.com.ng/ex-militants-turns-political-thugs-in-cross-river-state/#sthash.bT5wXyno.dpuf
THE predominant militant group in Cross River State was the Bakassi Volunteer Force and since the disarm-ing of the members and subsequent participation in the Amnesty Programme of the Federal Government, the group, apart from occasional protests for allowances, has been largely inactive.
Many members of the group had melted into the civil society and are acting as either body guards to politicians or as thugs, commonly known as “supporters or backing group” and usually orches-trate clashes between rival political factions.
Many politicians look up to them for “needed security backup in the event of any security breach by opposing groups” and giving their role as security backups, they have had to clash with supporters of other political leaders and aspirants.
Worried by the violence resulting from frequent clashes by the rival groups, Senator Imoke in 2009 initiated an oath- taking ceremony, where elected and appointed officials in the state had to renounce membership of militant and cult groups with the aim of stamping out the growing trend or at best, minimize political violence in the state.
It has largely worked, but lately, with the split in the PDP political family, the clashes are becoming frequent again.
Often, crowds of young men and women are engaged by aides of politicians to join campaign trains and the entourages of incumbent officials or aspiring politicians as they make campaign rounds. During these rounds, clashes occur.
Clashes Freshly, the Cross River State Joint Security Task Force, known as Quick Intervention Service, QIS, was invited to quell severe scenes of clashes at a popular hotel, Jorany, located in the eastern part of Calabar, Asari Eso Layout, following clashes by several youths, who were fighting for their benefactors seeking the PDP ticket to represent the Etung/ Obubra Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Several of the combatants sustained injuries in the clashes, which involved the use of cudgels, fists and other offensive weapons. Four of them were arrested.There was another clash in Ediba, Imoke’s hometown in Abi Local Government Area, by two groups of young men, alleged supporters of the incumbent member of the House of Representatives for Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency and the person seeking to replace him.These clashes are likely to increase as the preparation for the 2015 election progresses. Most PDP politicians had their hearts in their mouths last Saturday, November 1, as delegates were elected for the governorship, House of Assembly, Senate and House of Representatives primaries.Calling shots in Edo BENIN— MAJORITY of the ex-militants in Edo State were incorporated into the administration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole shortly after they surrendered their weapons and accepted amnesty, just as in other parts of the Niger Delta region.The ex-militant leaders in the state, notably Egbema 1 and Robert Okunbor, were saddled with the responsibility of monitoring the waterways.They are currently Executive Directors, Surveillance.
About 100 of them are working under the Ministry of Transport in Ovia South West, Ovia North East and Ikpoba Okha local governments, where they are predominantly located.
Their contributions have been useful to the state government and even security agencies, as they help to track down criminals and kidnappers, particularly those who took their victims to riverine communities.
They have also remained relevant in the politics of the state because any aspirant, who is serious about his or her ambition, would normally get the support of the ex-militants, else his ambition is as a good as dead.
Besides, it has been observed that these ex-militants determine who becomes what, particularly in Ovia North East and Ovia South West.
Any aspiring council chairman or councillor may not be able to realize his ambition unless he gets the support of the ex-militants.
In Edo state, many of them are involved in traffic control and in waterways security.
It’s either an Oro governor in A’Ibom or…— EX-MILITANT
UYO—EX-MILITANT leader in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Niko Sintei, said he had warned his members not to get involved in the ongoing politicking in the state, and to resist any politician that tries to engage them in violence in the state.
Speaking to Niger Delta Voice in Uyo, Sintei said he gave the warning knowing that desperate politicians always recruit thugs “during this political period and use them in creating violence.”
His words: “I have advised our people that they should not allow themselves to be used by any politician. And that is why we are not involved in politics.
“We have observed that the politicians will use us to carry out all sorts of violence, while they send their children abroad.
“And I want to advise our politicians in the state that there can only be one governor to take over from the outgoing governor. We cannot have three governors at the same time.
“It should not be a do-or-die affair. A good leader will not seek violence. We are saying that all we want this time is that there should be peace in the state.
“And to ensure total peace, we are advocating that Oro nation, where 95 per cent of the wealth of the state comes from, should be allowed to govern the state in 2015. In the fear of God, Akwa Ibom leaders and people should recognize and consider Oro issue.
“Even though the area produces what comes into the state as allocation, it has been neglected in terms of infrastructure development and we are saying do not deprive them that right.
“The best thing we expect Akpabio to do is to give the governorship to an Oro person to ensure that peace and justice reigns.”
THE
predominant militant group in Cross River State was the Bakassi
Volunteer Force and since the disarm-ing of the members and subsequent
participation in the Amnesty Programme of the Federal Government, the
group, apart from occasional protests for allowances, has been largely
inactive.
Many members of the group had melted into the civil society and are acting as either body guards to politicians or as thugs, commonly known as “supporters or backing group” and usually orches-trate clashes between rival political factions.
Many politicians look up to them for “needed security backup in the event of any security breach by opposing groups” and giving their role as security backups, they have had to clash with supporters of other political leaders and aspirants.
Worried by the violence resulting from frequent clashes by the rival groups, Senator Imoke in 2009 initiated an oath- taking ceremony, where elected and appointed officials in the state had to renounce membership of militant and cult groups with the aim of stamping out the growing trend or at best, minimize political violence in the state.
It has largely worked, but lately, with the split in the PDP political family, the clashes are becoming frequent again.
Often, crowds of young men and women are engaged by aides of politicians to join campaign trains and the entourages of incumbent officials or aspiring politicians as they make campaign rounds. During these rounds, clashes occur.
Clashes
Freshly, the Cross River State Joint Security Task Force, known as Quick Intervention Service, QIS, was invited to quell severe scenes of clashes at a popular hotel, Jorany, located in the eastern part of Calabar, Asari Eso Layout, following clashes by several youths, who were fighting for their benefactors seeking the PDP ticket to represent the Etung/ Obubra Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Several of the combatants sustained injuries in the clashes, which involved the use of cudgels, fists and other offensive weapons. Four of them were arrested.
There was another clash in Ediba, Imoke’s hometown in Abi Local Government Area, by two groups of young men, alleged supporters of the incumbent member of the House of Representatives for Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency and the person seeking to replace him.
These clashes are likely to increase as the preparation for the 2015 election progresses. Most PDP politicians had their hearts in their mouths last Saturday, November 1, as delegates were elected for the governorship, House of Assembly, Senate and House of Representatives primaries.
Calling shots in Edo
BENIN— MAJORITY of the ex-militants in Edo State were incorporated into the administration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole shortly after they surrendered their weapons and accepted amnesty, just as in other parts of the Niger Delta region.
The ex-militant leaders in the state, notably Egbema 1 and Robert Okunbor, were saddled with the responsibility of monitoring the waterways.
They are currently Executive Directors, Surveillance.
About 100 of them are working under the Ministry of Transport in Ovia South West, Ovia North East and Ikpoba Okha local governments, where they are predominantly located.
Their contributions have been useful to the state government and even security agencies, as they help to track down criminals and kidnappers, particularly those who took their victims to riverine communities.
They have also remained relevant in the politics of the state because any aspirant, who is serious about his or her ambition, would normally get the support of the ex-militants, else his ambition is as a good as dead.
Besides, it has been observed that these ex-militants determine who becomes what, particularly in Ovia North East and Ovia South West.
Any aspiring council chairman or councillor may not be able to realize his ambition unless he gets the support of the ex-militants.
In Edo state, many of them are involved in traffic control and in waterways security.
It’s either an Oro governor in A’Ibom or…— EX-MILITANT
UYO—EX-MILITANT leader in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Niko Sintei, said he had warned his members not to get involved in the ongoing politicking in the state, and to resist any politician that tries to engage them in violence in the state.
Speaking to Niger Delta Voice in Uyo, Sintei said he gave the warning knowing that desperate politicians always recruit thugs “during this political period and use them in creating violence.”
His words: “I have advised our people that they should not allow themselves to be used by any politician. And that is why we are not involved in politics.
“We have observed that the politicians will use us to carry out all sorts of violence, while they send their children abroad.
“And I want to advise our politicians in the state that there can only be one governor to take over from the outgoing governor. We cannot have three governors at the same time.
“It should not be a do-or-die affair. A good leader will not seek violence. We are saying that all we want this time is that there should be peace in the state.
“And to ensure total peace, we are advocating that Oro nation, where 95 per cent of the wealth of the state comes from, should be allowed to govern the state in 2015. In the fear of God, Akwa Ibom leaders and people should recognize and consider Oro issue.
“Even though the area produces what comes into the state as allocation, it has been neglected in terms of infrastructure development and we are saying do not deprive them that right.
“The best thing we expect Akpabio to do is to give the governorship to an Oro person to ensure that peace and justice reigns.”
- See more at: http://www.view.com.ng/ex-militants-turns-political-thugs-in-cross-river-state/#sthash.bT5wXyno.dpuf
Many members of the group had melted into the civil society and are acting as either body guards to politicians or as thugs, commonly known as “supporters or backing group” and usually orches-trate clashes between rival political factions.
Many politicians look up to them for “needed security backup in the event of any security breach by opposing groups” and giving their role as security backups, they have had to clash with supporters of other political leaders and aspirants.
Worried by the violence resulting from frequent clashes by the rival groups, Senator Imoke in 2009 initiated an oath- taking ceremony, where elected and appointed officials in the state had to renounce membership of militant and cult groups with the aim of stamping out the growing trend or at best, minimize political violence in the state.
It has largely worked, but lately, with the split in the PDP political family, the clashes are becoming frequent again.
Often, crowds of young men and women are engaged by aides of politicians to join campaign trains and the entourages of incumbent officials or aspiring politicians as they make campaign rounds. During these rounds, clashes occur.
Clashes
Freshly, the Cross River State Joint Security Task Force, known as Quick Intervention Service, QIS, was invited to quell severe scenes of clashes at a popular hotel, Jorany, located in the eastern part of Calabar, Asari Eso Layout, following clashes by several youths, who were fighting for their benefactors seeking the PDP ticket to represent the Etung/ Obubra Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Several of the combatants sustained injuries in the clashes, which involved the use of cudgels, fists and other offensive weapons. Four of them were arrested.
There was another clash in Ediba, Imoke’s hometown in Abi Local Government Area, by two groups of young men, alleged supporters of the incumbent member of the House of Representatives for Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency and the person seeking to replace him.
These clashes are likely to increase as the preparation for the 2015 election progresses. Most PDP politicians had their hearts in their mouths last Saturday, November 1, as delegates were elected for the governorship, House of Assembly, Senate and House of Representatives primaries.
Calling shots in Edo
BENIN— MAJORITY of the ex-militants in Edo State were incorporated into the administration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole shortly after they surrendered their weapons and accepted amnesty, just as in other parts of the Niger Delta region.
The ex-militant leaders in the state, notably Egbema 1 and Robert Okunbor, were saddled with the responsibility of monitoring the waterways.
They are currently Executive Directors, Surveillance.
About 100 of them are working under the Ministry of Transport in Ovia South West, Ovia North East and Ikpoba Okha local governments, where they are predominantly located.
Their contributions have been useful to the state government and even security agencies, as they help to track down criminals and kidnappers, particularly those who took their victims to riverine communities.
They have also remained relevant in the politics of the state because any aspirant, who is serious about his or her ambition, would normally get the support of the ex-militants, else his ambition is as a good as dead.
Besides, it has been observed that these ex-militants determine who becomes what, particularly in Ovia North East and Ovia South West.
Any aspiring council chairman or councillor may not be able to realize his ambition unless he gets the support of the ex-militants.
In Edo state, many of them are involved in traffic control and in waterways security.
It’s either an Oro governor in A’Ibom or…— EX-MILITANT
UYO—EX-MILITANT leader in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Niko Sintei, said he had warned his members not to get involved in the ongoing politicking in the state, and to resist any politician that tries to engage them in violence in the state.
Speaking to Niger Delta Voice in Uyo, Sintei said he gave the warning knowing that desperate politicians always recruit thugs “during this political period and use them in creating violence.”
His words: “I have advised our people that they should not allow themselves to be used by any politician. And that is why we are not involved in politics.
“We have observed that the politicians will use us to carry out all sorts of violence, while they send their children abroad.
“And I want to advise our politicians in the state that there can only be one governor to take over from the outgoing governor. We cannot have three governors at the same time.
“It should not be a do-or-die affair. A good leader will not seek violence. We are saying that all we want this time is that there should be peace in the state.
“And to ensure total peace, we are advocating that Oro nation, where 95 per cent of the wealth of the state comes from, should be allowed to govern the state in 2015. In the fear of God, Akwa Ibom leaders and people should recognize and consider Oro issue.
“Even though the area produces what comes into the state as allocation, it has been neglected in terms of infrastructure development and we are saying do not deprive them that right.
“The best thing we expect Akpabio to do is to give the governorship to an Oro person to ensure that peace and justice reigns.”
- See more at: http://www.view.com.ng/ex-militants-turns-political-thugs-in-cross-river-state/#sthash.bT5wXyno.dpuf
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