Demolition as an instrument of state terrorism

                      Nyesom Wike

                Governor, Rivers State

While awaiting word from Kaduna State government on the demolition of a citizen's property on suspicion of

being a probable venue of a Sex party, it is pertinent to say that this is not an isolated case.

Before, this demolition in Kaduna, there had been demolitions in other places. Notably the ones in Anambra and Rivers states stand out.

First the Anambra state government ordered the demolition of an Hotel on suspicion of Rituals being perpetrated in the Hotel. The owner is still crying for Justice.

Next is Rivers State also on suspicion of illegal activities also in an hotel. It may be safe to say, that bankers would heighten the risk associated with funding hotel projects in the light of these flippant demolitions of hotels.

In a situation of worrisome recession and unemployment, should the state not apply restraint in denying people of their means of livelihood?

We know for a fact that it is easier to destroy than to build. A state that will find reasons not to embark on a social project, will in no time send scores of people into unemployment and bring sorrow to many a home.

It is indeed sad and a version of state sponsored terrorism.

Where those with the mandate to bring succor choose to bring sorrow, it brings to question the reason for government and governance.

One of the pillars of modern society is the replacement of force with reason and lawlessness with compliance with laws.

The least the government can do is to reinforce the good in society and not promote a reign of terror.

For those who are calling for restructuring and devolution of powers, a look at elections conducted by state so called independent electoral commissions would warn one that the states are perfect copy cats in all that is bad in the Federal might. But since etermal vigilance is the price of liberty the citizens should like Eneke the bird, that said that since men have learnt to shoot without missing, it has learnt to fly without perching, not tire of reminding the various arms of government of their duties of care towards the law and the vulnerable in the society.