The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, on Saturday said
that aggrieved politicians in the state were sponsoring militants to make the
state ungovernable.
The governor said that the attack on his country home last
Saturday which left some security aides dead was one of the ploys by those he
described as the enemies of the state to paint a wrong picture about the state.
He said that the sponsors of the attacks on facilities and
properties in the state wanted to cause a state of emergency in the state.
The governor, who stated this in a broadcast to mark the
2021 workers’ day celebration, assured that the security agencies were closing
in on the attackers and their sponsors.
Uzodinma insinuated that the vicious attacks on the state
were because of his resolve that the resources of the state should be used for
the welfare of the people.
He, however, vowed that no amount of attack on the state
would make him stop working for the growth of the state.
Uzodinma insisted that his achievements in 17 months in
offices had dwarfed the position, hence their resolve to make the state
ungovernable.
The governor said, “You would have noticed that disgruntled
politicians in concert with militants and other criminal elements have
unleashed violence in our state known traditionally for its peace and
hospitality.
“Unable to contain themselves over the developmental strides
of our administration in just one year, these enemies of our state have devised
devious ways of not only distracting us but striking fear in our citizens. Some
of them have even come out to unmask their real intention which is to make the
state ungovernable.
“Let me assure the good people of Imo State that
investigations to unmask the sponsors of these security breaches in the state
have reached an advanced stage. Very soon the long arm of the law will expose
and prosecute them
“Recall that at the onset of this administration, these same
people had vowed to make the state ungovernable for us. Our only crime against
them is our resolve to hand over the state and its resources to the people as
the true owners. While I sympathize with them over their feeble and futile
efforts at intimidating us, let me declare here that the state will employ all
lawful machinery at its disposal to crush criminality.
“Last Sunday’s
attempt to burn down my country home was just their Lilliputian way of sending
the message that Imo State is insecure. As always, they failed woefully. The
government in collaboration with all the security agencies is more than capable
to protect the lives and property of all residents of the state. I swore an
oath to that. I will never shirk this sacred responsibility.
“It is quite unfortunate that despite the impressive
progress we have recorded in the first year in office, some people have failed
to appreciate the glaring evidence everywhere that Imo State has taken a turn
for the better. This group of fifth columnists has therefore elected to disrupt
the peace of the state. Although their actions are quite regrettable, it is my
duty as the Governor of the state to ask everyone to sheath the sword and make
room for development.
“I must warn that the days of mindless criminality in the
state are over. Let me use this opportunity to assure all Imo people that I
will leave no stone unturned in ensuring the security and safety of all of us.
Be rest assured that my administration is willing, able, and capable of
protecting the lives and property of all Imo people and residents alike.
“Without any fear of contradiction, I can declare to you
that the recent security challenges in the state have been effectively
contained. Imo people should therefore go about their lawful businesses without
any fear whatsoever.
“In the last one year, this administration has been
responsive to the yearnings of our people by resuscitating critical
infrastructure including roads. Just before the recent security breaches,
distinguished Nigerians including President Muhammadu Buhari(GCFR), have
commissioned some of the 22 completed roads while work is ongoing on 24 others.
We brought back Adaplam Nig. Ltd into life after years of abandonment. We
brought back Otamiri Waterworks to life. People in Owerri metropolis now have
access to potable water.
“As workers, you should be glad that we have created a
platform to make our youths employers of labour instead of roaming the streets
aimlessly. Through our empowerment programme, we have trained thirty thousand
of our youths in different skills and we will soon assist them with the
resources to start up their own businesses. Our women are also beneficiaries.
“In the areas of education, agriculture, and technology, we
have done quite a lot. The details could be found in my one year anniversary
brochure. But suffice it to say here that I have kept faith with my promise to
Imo people to serve you honestly and diligently.
“So as we celebrate this year’s May Day, my assurance to the
people of the state and especially our workers is that I will continue to do my
best to ensure that things get better for all of us. I want to assure the
workers of Imo State that your welfare will always remain my number one
priority.
“Whatever is necessary to make the organised labour
leadership more effective and efficient, I assure you of my commitment to it.
In this respect, I assure you that all outstanding check-off dues for the
different unions will be cleared in the next few weeks. In like manner, I will
not relent in ensuring that Imo workers get the best available training and
retraining opportunities and the best available working conditions.
“I am not a man who makes excuses. I have come to work for
the people, no matter the circumstances. No amount of distraction can derail me
from my mission. All I ask is for enabling environment of peace so that Imo
People can get the very best we can offer.
“For us to see those better days, we must refrain from acts
that would impede development and progress. We must therefore resolve that this
is the only state we have and we should not let any selfish political interest
come between us and the state. Politics will come and go but Imo State will
remain. Yes, Imo state is the only state we can call our own. Let us preserve
and protect our commonwealth.”
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com