OWERRI, Nigeria – Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has issued a clarion call to traditional rulers, President Generals, and youth leaders of the 655 communities in the state to secure their territories against the menacing activities of criminal intruders posing as gunmen.
In a meeting on Friday, July 28, 2023, at the Eze Imo Palace in Owerri, he assured the local leaders that each community would be empowered with N1,000,000 to strategize security measures.
Disturbed by the deteriorating security conditions and the killings of some traditional rulers in the state, Governor Uzodinma implored community leaders to take an uncompromising stance against insecurity.
He insisted they should not adhere to the sit-at-home orders but rather collaborate with the government to implement robust measures safeguarding lives and property.
“Go and restore honour and dignity to your palace. Traditional rulers are part of government. Don’t obey the sit at home order. Don’t allow evil men to thrive,” the governor fervently urged the community leaders.
He also announced President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s approval of a meeting with all Security Chiefs in Imo State on Saturday, July 29, 2023.
The meeting will address the ongoing concerns surrounding the sit-at-home order by Simon Ekpa, a prominent advocate based in Finland.
Uzodinma’s administration is focusing on security and economic enhancement, as demonstrated by plans to expand Owerri’s urban base, raise the minimum wage, and initiate a mass transportation system across the state.
Reflecting on the state’s recent hardships, the governor lamented, “It has been a thing of lamentations and horrors, characterized by killings, kidnappings, and banditry which are of human factors working with evil men trying to destroy the state.”
He unveiled a new community-based security architecture that will roll out on Monday, July 31, 2023, emphasizing the importance of cooperation among traditional rulers, town Union Presidents, and youth leaders.
He noted that this synergy was key to the success of the new security plan, adding that community leaders must unite “either voluntarily or by coercion.”
Challenging the traditional rulers, Uzodinma stated: “No government is complete without communities, and any politics without peace, happiness, and security is no good politics.”
He also warned politicians fueling insecurity, reminding them that “we must have Imo State first before emerging to rule Imo State.”
In response to the governor’s address, leaders from various zones in the state expressed their support for his initiatives. Senator Patrick Ndubueze poignantly said, “The emphasis on security before politics is because one must have life first before thinking of who or not to lead.”
The Chairman Imo State Elders Council, HRH Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, and other traditional rulers supported the governor’s policies and programs.
Governor Uzodinma’s impassioned call and commitment to security and economic upliftment have set the stage for a critical period in Imo State’s governance.
With a united front against insecurity and well-strategized community empowerment, Imo State’s path toward stability and growth seems more defined, even as challenges remain.
