From Moshood Karim
The Member of the Edo State House of Assembly representing Ovia North-East (11), Hon. Andrew Osadolor Uzamere has urged the State government to urgently address the rising insecurity within the State. He specifically called for the re-establishment of the disbanded Edo State Security Network, which he believes could help stem the tide of insecurity that has been plaguing the State.
In an interview with journalists, Hon. Uzamere, who serves as the House Committee Chairman on Solid Minerals, Mining, and Gas, expressed his concern about the escalating security challenges. According to the lawmaker, the decision to disband the Edo State Security Network ahead of the September 2020 gubernatorial elections has contributed significantly to the current security crisis in the State.
He emphasised that the absence of the security network has made the State more vulnerable to criminal activities. “I am calling on the State government and the security agencies to take immediate action to reintroduce the security network and address the increasing incidents of violence,” Hon. Uzamere stated.
A key concern raised by the lawmaker is the alarming rise in attacks on cocoa farmers in villages within his constituency. He explained that the activities of Fulani herdsmen have caused widespread fear among farmers, who are regularly harassed, attacked, and even killed while working on their farms. Many are being driven away from their livelihoods due to the constant threat of violence.
“The Fulani herdsmen, recently forced out of the southwest by Amotekun, have found their way into our forests, creating an unbearable situation for our farmers,” said Hon. Uzamere, who called on the State government to take decisive steps to resolve the issue.
While discussing his work as a legislator, Hon. Uzamere expressed gratitude towards the immediate past Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, for granting financial autonomy to the state’s legislature. This, he said, has enabled lawmakers to easily access funding for projects that directly benefit their constituents. He noted that, without the bureaucratic hurdles of going through ministries and agencies, it is now far quicker to secure approval for important community projects.
In his tenure so far, Hon. Uzamere has undertaken various initiatives to improve the lives of those in his constituency. These include sinking boreholes across the seven wards in Ovia North-East and renovating schools to ensure better facilities for local students. The legislator also revealed that he had awarded scholarships to over 200 disadvantaged students to enable them to sit for the WAEC and NECO exams, which he described as their key to a brighter future.
Hon. Uzamere also commended the State governor for continuing the construction of the Ekewan Road project, which will significantly benefit two of the wards in his constituency. The completion of the road, he believes, will boost economic activity in the local government area and improve the overall quality of life for his constituents.
The lawmaker reiterated his commitment to his people, emphasising that with the support they have given him, he is determined to work tirelessly to meet their needs and address the pressing issues facing the region, particularly the growing security challenges.
Get a premium automobile insurance coverage for your vehicle for as low as #15000 only and claim up to #3,000,000 in damages @Zenith Insurance To signup: WhatsApp/Call: +2349028313757
