Save South-east from Sit-at-Home Enforced By Non-state Actors, Uzodimma Tells Security Agencies

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has challenged the leadership of security agencies in the country and those serving in the south-east in particular to step up their game, with the view to saving the south-easterners the embarrassment of sit-at-home which non-state actors were enforcing.

He said that the sit-at-home had almost crippled the region’s economy, commerce and trade and should not be allowed to continue unattended to.
According to a statement yesterday, the Governor made the call when he received in audience, the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ayuba Chugali and the Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 9 Umuahia, Echeng Eyo Echeng, both of who were on a courtesy call at the Government House Owerri.

Though the Governor addressed his guests and their teams separately, his remarks to both visitors found a common ground in the State of insecurity in the region and how the security agencies could deal with it decisively.
“This is time for all security agencies to synergise and come up with a united front to tackle the insurgency and insecurity in the zone perpetrated by those whose identities cannot be properly fixed,” he said.

In welcoming the Flag Officer, Uzodimma thanked the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, for approving the visit by his men, but used the visit to sincerely thank President Bola Tinubu for the choice of Ogalla as the Chief of Naval Staff.

The governor described the role of the Navy in maritime security as “critical item that must be strengthened,” acknowledging that the “Nigerian Navy and other security agencies have distinguished themselves in their job.”
To both organisations, the governor emphasised the need for partnership with each other and even the communities “to ensure the best of results in security of lives and property of Nigerians, especially in the south-east.”

Uzodimma, recalled that on assumption of Office he discovered that the Naval Base in Oguta is a good idea and that he had to quickly embark on the opening of maritime way to the sea targeted at boosting the economy of the State and the Zone and enhancing commerce and trade in the area.
He promised to do all within his powers to encourage the Nigerian Navy to realise their mission and expressed happiness to hear that the geographic survey report for the dredging of the Orashi River to the Atlantic is ready.

He equally reassured the Navy of the State Government’s readiness to partner with them anytime they call on the government.
He hinted that he was aware that political content was involved in the sit-at-home menace and that recent intelligence revealed that some political gladiators were collaborating with some university cult members to carry out what they call “synchronised violence’’ especially during the forthcoming governorship elections.

The governor urged the security agencies to do everything within their behest in collaboration with government to unearth their nefarious plans and activities.
To the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 9 Umuahia, Echeng Y. Echeng, he thanked him for coming, and for his commitment in the Police Force, especially in the south-east and his achievements and records as a Commissioner before his elevation to AIG.
The governor emphasised the need for serious support and deployment of the security agencies to the Communities in the Southeast through additional manpower and logistics to fight the monster of insurgency at the grassroots.

He reiterated that the people of south-east were highly threatened by insecurity as commerce and industry and the entire economy was dying.
He noted, in the case of Imo, that the state needs peace and unity to develop and protect her businesses, hence the security agencies must gear up to removing fear and harassment from the psych of the people.
His words: “Please recover the confidence of our people and remove fear in them.  Please take over the political space and protect our people so that we can exist.”

Uzodimma however advised those who want to challenge those in authority to have a rethink as they will never succeed under him.
He also seized the opportunity to bemoan the attitude of leaders who have refused to speak out and condemn the killings of innocent citizens in the State.
Uzodimma further appealed to the security agencies at all levels in the country to ensure that they protect the Igbos wherever they are in Nigeria as it is the responsibilities of every government to protect the lives and property of her citizens.