Posted by The Port Harcourt Telegraph on
Youths who have thus far testified before the 13-member Presidential Action Committee on the control of violent crimes and illegal weapons have put the blame for the proliferation of illegal weapons on those they describe as men in authority.
Youths who have thus far testified before the 13-member Presidential Action Committee on the control of violent crimes and illegal weapons have put the blame for the proliferation of illegal weapons on those they describe as men in authority.
The revelation came as the committee which stepped into the "Treasure Base of the Nation", Rivers State began public sitting on Monday, January 31, 2005.
The presidency had set up the committee and charged it with the task of unraveling the source of the arms proliferation problem that has put almost every one on edge.
The committee members, our man Kio Nemingoka reports, were treated to accusations and counter-accusations over the issue of who empowered the youths with illegal weapons.
At the Obi Wali Integrated Cultural Centre in Port Harcourt, some of the youths who spoke as well as businessmen and civil servants blamed those in leadership positions as being the source of the illegal weapons used by the youths with the emergence of 1999 political ambition.
Others blamed community leaders who have sold their birthrights and succeeded in empowering the youths with illegal weapons in order to achieve selfish interests particularly during chieftaincy disputes.
In their reaction, some of the politicians dismissed the allegation.
According to the chairman of Okrika local government council, Prince Ibibia Opuene Walter, no politician can afford to buy AK 47s, contending that the youths adopted the measure on their return from Abuja after the 2 million march at the instance of late General Sani Abacha.
Prince Walter, therefore, suggested that youths should be made to respect constituted authorities and since they (youths) have known how to use the weapons, they should be conscripted into the army.
Also, the police were not exempted as they were accused as accomplices in some of the crimes where guns were allegedly hired out for illegal purposes.
Majority of those who spoke, attributed the involvement of youths in violent crimes to lack of employment and appealed to the government to provide jobs for them so as to re-direct them to areas of meaningful activity .
Some specifically observed that the N10,000 each currently paid to 4,800 youths each in the state on monthly basis was not enough, considering the escalating economic hardship being experienced.
The government was equally advised to ensure that the youths were made to produce further wealth and not merely paying such amount for security reasons.
Other contributors also identified lack of moral teachings in homes and schools as the bane of violence in the society, particularly in higher institutions and suggested thre overhaul of the existing curriculum in the educational system.
Earlier, the chairman of the committee, Justice Emmanuel Olayinka Ayoola (rtd) had said time had come when those who "instigate violence and give assistance and protection to violent criminals must be regarded as enemies of society.
Justice Ayoola explained that the aim of the committee was to find solutions that are lasting and capable of implementation, noting that from the interactive sessions the committee had in Lagos and Ibadan, it was clear everybody wants a way out of the gun menace.
In his opening address, the Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government Council, Chief Azubuike Nmmerukini decried the incidence of violent crimes and illegal weapons in the country, saying that such negative activities do not create security and conducive environment for investors.
He commended President Olusegun Obasanjo for his visionary leadership and prompt action in setting up the committee.
And lauded Governor Peter Odili for his untiring efforts in making the state a safe haven for all.