THE WILL NEWS
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has challenged the leadership of security agencies in the country and particularly, those serving in the South East, to step up their programmes with the view to saving the South Easterners the embarrassment of sit-at-home, introduced by non-state actors.
He said that the sit-at-home has almost crippled the region’s economy, commerce and trade and should not be allowed to continue unattended.
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 whom were on a courtesy call at the Government House, Owerri.
Alhough 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.
Governor 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.”
Governor 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 is aware that political content is involved in the sit at home menace and that recent intelligence has revealed that some political gladiators are 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.
The governor commended the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 9 Umuahia, Echeng Y Echeng, 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.
