By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka
Abuja
Mazi Paul Chukwuka Obu, a House of Representatives aspirant for Orumba North and South Federal Constituency, has said the security of lives and properties of indigenes will be his utmost priority if elected.
Obu argued that no meaningful development can take place where safety is not guaranteed. He noted that children cannot learn in peace, markets cannot flourish, farmers cannot access their land, and investors will not commit resources when fear pervades communities.
“Security of lives and properties of Orumba North and South indigenes is not a campaign slogan—it is the foundation upon which every other promise stands,” he said.
The aspirant described security as the bedrock of development, stressing that roads, schools, and businesses lose value if people cannot use them without fear. According to him, once residents feel safe, economic activity resumes, trust is rebuilt, and government programs reach the grassroots without obstruction.
Obu outlined a multi-layered security plan that goes beyond waiting for federal intervention. The plan combines legislative advocacy, grassroots collaboration, and strategic partnerships with local stakeholders.
A key component is strengthening local intelligence networks by working with traditional rulers, town unions, youth leaders, and vigilante groups to detect threats early. He also pledged to push for constitutional and legislative reforms that grant states and communities a greater role in policing under federal oversight for faster response to local threats.
The plan includes equipping security outposts with logistics, communication equipment, and mobility support for police stations, vigilante groups, and neighborhood watch structures across both local government areas. Obu said addressing root causes such as unemployment, drug abuse, and youth idleness would also be central to his approach.
For the constituency’s agrarian and commercial population, Obu proposed establishing Farm Security Corridors in partnership with security agencies to protect agricultural zones. He also pledged to advocate for better lighting and surveillance on major roads and markets, and to collaborate with transport unions on safe travel protocols for commuters and goods.
At the federal level, Obu said he would leverage his position to ensure Orumba North and South is not neglected in security allocations. This includes lobbying for increased deployment of personnel and equipment to high-risk areas and monitoring how security votes meant for the constituency are utilized.
He stressed that security must be pursued with respect for human rights and dignity. “Security must protect the people, not intimidate them,” Obu said, emphasizing training, accountability, and trust-building between security operatives and civilians.
To sustain the effort beyond election cycles, Obu said he would establish a Constituency Security Advisory Council. The council, made up of traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth representatives, and security experts, would provide quarterly reviews, raise early warnings, and recommend solutions.
Concluding, Obu said a safe Orumba North and South would allow children to learn in peace, farmers to return to their farms, markets to thrive, and youth to channel their energy into productive ventures. “Security at the forefront. People at the center. Progress as the outcome,” he stated.
