Okorocha links Boko Haram, EndSARS protest to poverty, injustice in Nigeria

The lawmaker representing Imo-West senatorial district, Rochas Okorocha, has noted that the #EndSARS protest that rocked Nigeria over police brutality, Boko Haram insurgency and other security issues in the country are caused by poverty and injustice.

The former Governor of Imo State on Saturday was honoured with the award of “Most Outstanding Friend of Ibadanland” by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).

The Olubadan of Ibadan, Saliu Adetunji presented the award to Okorocha, in recognition of his contribution to the education of indigent children through his free education programme and establishment of tuition-free schools in Ibadan, Oyo state.

Okorocha while speaking at the event noted that orphans and vulnerable children lack access to quality education in Nigeria.

The former Governor disclosed that he established free schools to give them an opportunity to become valuable members of society.

“I am making frantic efforts with all my family members. Still, the evil of injustice and poverty is still ravaging our nation.”

“It is this injustice and poverty that many have called Boko Haram, insurgency, herdsmen crisis, kidnapping and EndSARS protests.”

“The truth is that the problem of Nigeria is poverty and injustice. If these children gathered here, including those who have passed out to become doctors and lawyers, were not given this opportunity, most of them would become Boko Haram members.”

He commended the monarch and Ibadan indigenes for honouring him with the award.

“I am sure this award came to me because you have considered my little contribution of saving the lives of these poor Nigerians,” Okorocha said.

“This award will go a long way to bring about unity in the federal republic of Nigeria. In our checkered history, it is not common to see an Igbo man being honoured in Yorubaland.

“It is also not possible to see a Hausa or Fulani man honoured in Yorubaland or vice versa. What we are doing now is building a bridge of peace and unity.”

In another development, South-East Governors on Sunday established a regional security outfit to tackle security issues in the region.

The governors at the meeting which was held in Owerri, Imo State capital announced the establishment of EBUBE AGU, which will have its headquarters in Enugu State