Imo state governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has urged the security agencies to stop ordering citizens to raise their hands at checkpoint
Uzodimma made this assertion in his democracy day broadcast to the people of Imo State on Saturday, June 12. He noted that he has been enthused that those who vowed to make his government ungovernable have been trying their best to make good their threat by instigating insecurity in the state, but have been subdued.
“Just a few days ago, the police announced that the security situation in Imo state has a political undertone. It is a confirmation of what we already know because those who vowed to make the state ungovernable for us have been unrelenting. But to the glory of God, they have been subdued”.
He described it as unfortunate that in the course of restoring normalcy, there has been collateral damage in terms of loss of lives and destruction of property. He sent his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost the lives of their dear ones and those whose property were destroyed.
“May I use the occasion of this democracy day to appeal to everyone to sheath their swords. I believe that as brothers and sisters from the same state, we can resolve our differences amicably without resort to violence. Imo State has been known as the bastion of hospitality and peace. We should collectively come together to rebuild our state and build its economy. With what has happened, investments are jeopardised and may soon take flight. Our youths are losing the few jobs they have. This should not be the legacy we should leave for our children”.
“Let me reiterate here that we need peace for development. We should not be frittering our scarce resources in the management of security crises. You can bear me witness that the achievements we recorded in our first year in office would not have been possible under this kind of hostile and volatile atmosphere. We, therefore, need to move past this and take back our state”.
Uzodimma pointed out one major attribute of democracy that has for centuries made it the best form of government as its ability to provide political space to resolve seemingly intractable social- political and ethnic issues, through robust dialogue, and without recourse to violence.
“This is why this year’s Democracy Day is quite significant because it is coming in the midst the turbulent security challenges both in our state and the nation at large. It is significant because, despite the crisis, democracy remains resilient. Its strength remains unshaken because it absorbs all manner of shock and yet stands the test of time”.
