The Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Oliver Aliaba, has urged state governors and national leaders to emulate the security strategies implemented by the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah. Speaking during a pastoral visit to the Southeast, the cleric noted that the visible reduction in criminal activities and the effective dismantling of the “sit-at-home” order in Enugu serve as a blueprint for restoring order in volatile regions. The Prelate emphasized that security is the foundation of any meaningful development and commended the Governor for his courage in prioritizing the safety of lives and property over political expediency.
Governor Peter Mbah’s approach, which involves a combination of high-tech surveillance, increased funding for security agencies, and the establishment of the Distress Response Squad (DRS), has been credited with reviving the night economy in Enugu. The Methodist leader observed that the “command and control” center established by the administration allows for real-time monitoring of key flashpoints, significantly reducing the response time to distress calls. He argued that if other leaders in the South-East and across the Federation adopted similar data-driven and proactive measures, the “unrelenting wave” of kidnapping and communal clashes currently plaguing the nation could be curtailed.
The Enugu State Government has consistently maintained that its security architecture is designed to protect investments and foster a 24-hour economy. The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Aka Eze Aka, noted that the administration’s “zero tolerance” for non-state actors has sent a clear message that the state is open for business. By integrating local intelligence with formal policing, the state has managed to bridge the gap between rural communities and urban security hubs. The Prelate’s endorsement is seen as a moral validation of these efforts, encouraging other religious and traditional rulers to support government initiatives aimed at peacebuilding.
Security analysts have pointed out that while Mbah’s kinetic approach has yielded results, its long-term success will depend on regional synergy. They suggest that the South-East Governors’ Forum (SEGF) must coordinate their efforts to prevent criminals from migrating across state borders when the heat is turned up in one jurisdiction. The broader implications of the Prelate’s advice highlight the growing role of religious institutions in advocating for better governance. As Nigeria continues to grapple with multifaceted security threats, the “Enugu model” remains a focal point for discussions on how to balance civil liberties with the urgent necessity of public safety.
