AN OPEN LETTER TO MR MAURICE ORIPENAYE (ARA) EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, ILAJE LOCAL GOVERNMENT
“Silence becomes cowardice when it fails to speak up for the rights of the oppressed.”
I am writing to bring to your attention the plethora of issues surrounding the activities of the Nigerian Navy in Ilaje, particularly in the riverine part of the local government. Despite numerous complaints and petitions from the people of Ilaje, the egregious conduct of the Nigerian Navy persists, calling for immediate intervention.
The series of incidents reported includes extortion, harassment, and intimidation of our people, particularly fishermen and market women, who are merely trying to eke out a living. These activities are an affront to the dignity of our people and a threat to their livelihoods. Fishermen are being commanded rudely to pay an illicit levy in kind to the naval personnel, and market women are forced to part with their hard-earned money on every market days whenever their boat passes through the checkpoint of the Nigerian Navy.
Furthermore, I am still grappling with the aftermath of the recent unfortunate incident in Obe-Adun, where properties worth millions were destroyed. This incident would cause immense distress and hardship to the affected people and communities. I am deeply concerned that if these issues are not addressed, they may one day lead to a breakdown of law and order in the local government.
I wish to emphasize that my concern is not driven by any political motive, but rather by a genuine desire to see the people of Ilaje treated with dignity and respect. As a concerned citizen, I believe it is my duty to speak up when the rights of others are being trampled upon.
In light of these developments, I humbly beseech you, as the custodian of authority and Chief Security Officer of the entire Ilaje local government, to convene an emergency security meeting with all security agencies operating within the Local Government. This meeting should be attended by all traditional rulers, including Obas, Olojas, and Baales, as well as community youth leaders and other stakeholders. The purpose of this meeting would be to address the issues raised and find a lasting solution to the problems posed by the activities of the security forces especially that of the Nigerian Navy in Ilaje.
I have faith in your leadership and ability to resolve these issues and ensure the safety and security of the people. I look forward to your prompt attention to this matter.
With deep respect,
Ogoh Adebayo Omosehindemi,
Chairman, Ilaje youth progressive Intellectuals (IYPI)
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