IMO CONCERNED CITIZENS (ICC)
PRESS RELEASE
INSECURITY: GOVERNOR HOPE UZODINMA SHOULD ENFORCE HIS POWERS TO PROTECT IMO PEOPLE
The above organization is a non partisan pressure group seeking to promote good governance in Imo State, South East geopolitical zone and Nigeria at large.
It has become seriously important for us to make this statement due to the current security malady that is gradually degenerating to an alarming stage beyond the control of any sane person.
As a responsible and responsive group, we had waited to see government apply every strategic measures to rescue the present situation, alas, we have been utterly disappointed that the surging insecurity is beyond the control of relevant security organs of the government.
This particular condition we found ourselves today triggered our position on the current restlessness, violence and menace.
OUR POSITION
1. That the Governor as the Chief Security Officer of the state should rise up to occasion to bring this situation to normalcy, instead of abandoning the people he was elected to govern for other public events in Abuja.
2. That the actions and inactions to solve the current but very pathetic situation lies at the Governor’s doorstep, hence he should without further delay, assert his constitutional powers to protect every Tom, Dick and Harry in the state irrespective of party affiliations.
3. That the Governor, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma must make every effort to correct the situation before it metamorphose to total breakdown of law and order, which every sensible Imolite should be praying against.
4. That the invitation of the military to partake in the internal security of the State was ill-advised and has created a tension that is unknown in the state, hence the reason for the current malady.
5. That the major security challenge we are facing in Imo State is the attack of armed herdsmen on villagers and rural dwellers. Therefore, if the military assigned role in the State is not to checkmate that, then their stay in the state is nothing but to continue to hype the tension already tensed.
6. That the alleged targeting of young men and women of Imo State by the military is hereby condemned. On that note, we hope that relevant authorities concern should ensure that innocent Imolites are not intimidated, manhandled, persecuted and possibly, killed carelessly.
7. That we commend the Police for applying civility in handling the whole situation, but no doubt, they must wake up to their duty of protecting and serving the people of Imo state. The only way they can do this is by ensuring their own protection, since it is said that no one gives what he does not have.
8. That the fact that these widely chorused "unknown gunmen" senselessly attack the security formations with little or no resistance, puts to question the capabilities of our security structures and supports any conspiracy theory that arises.
9. That the Police must ensure that the "unknown gunmen" attacking security formations in the state are caught and made to face the law, rather than going about tagging and arresting innocent Imolites due to their belief/opinion that Igbos are marginalised.
10. That the Governor must rise up to the occasion as this challenge is not common, and needs to be handled with tact to ensure that the peaceful Imo State that we were known for remains.
11. That it is the constitutional duty of the Governor to calm the tension in the state, as Imolites are known for peace hence, every concerned individuals MUST ensure that it remains sacrosanct. Imo people should be careful in the current insecurity in order not to play into the hands of those selfish individuals whose stock in trade is to create a state of anarchy.
12. That as a responsible group who has high level of respect for the rule of law, we unequivocally condemn in its entirety, the killing of security operatives by unknown gunmen, the incessant burning of public properties and illegal possession of firearms by unauthorized elements.
The ball is firmly in the court of the Governor and we hope that he can make us proud as the world is watching.
A man with an important message to deliver does not mind the rain.
Signed
Comrade. Onuh Ikechukwu
State Publicity Secretary
Hon. Roland Gabriel
State Chairman
Hon. Amadichi Divine Chike
Convener Worldwide
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