I watched with keen interest on Wednesday when the Senate plenary was disrupted after suspected thugs invaded the chamber and took away the mace. The incident reminded me of the over-zealousness of our security agencies who normally harass law abiding citizens, including journalists in public places, while remaining helpless in the face of criminals. Or else, where were the security men when the suspected thugs entered the chamber? The security men would only shove aside photo journalists while carrying out their duties and parade function venues without necessarily having the ability to stop thugs.
Esther Ida, Kubwa, Abuja
Stop commercial activities in military check points
Military checkpoints are erected purposely to control crime and monitor entry and exit to and from towns and cities. Some checkpoints have however become havens for petty trading, thereby providing possible avenue for infiltration by criminal elements. A brief look at some check points might buttress this observation. I believe the relevant authorities are taking a close look at this with a view to checking it along with the attendant risks.
Tommy Akapa, Enugu
Another health workers’ strike?
The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) within the week announced an indefinite strike, thus paralyzing activities in health institutions across the country. The body ordered all federal government health institutions in Nigeria including federal medical centres, specialists’ hospitals, orthopedic hospitals, psychiatric hospitals among others to shut down. I don’t know if the government will allow the strike to continue but I think health workers’ strikes have become more like a child’s play in this country. The union should please put the interest of the masses at heart especially as it is very expensive to use private health facilities.
Mark Tobby, Port Harcourt
Please, release remaining girls
I wish to appeal to the Boko Haram militants to please, release the remaining Chibok girls and other girls in their captivity who want to return home because it causes a lot of trauma for parents as well as pain for the girls. Imagine that your own child is held in a place without your approval and her consent, you would always remain in pain. I plead with the militants to please, release the innocent girls and embrace peace to make life in Nigeria better. All these stories are giving Nigeria a very negative image.
Amina Kasali, Yola
